How Kenya moved national celebrations from Nairobi to counties

A decade after national celebrations left Nairobi, Eldoret hosts Mashujaa Day as counties take turns showcasing Kenya’s unity, culture and devolution

President William Ruto arrives at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui on October 20, 2025./PCS

Kenya’s 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Tuesday mark another milestone in the country’s decade-long shift from Nairobi-centred national ceremonies to celebrations hosted across the counties.

The 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations are being jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, continuing a policy introduced in 2015 under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and sustained by President William Ruto.

Previously, national holidays were largely celebrated in Nairobi, making the capital the centre of major national ceremonies.

The decentralisation of the celebrations was prompted by the spirit of the 2010 Constitution and the philosophy of devolution.

Source: The Star