By Brian Said Iha
Wajir, Kenya, June 1, 2026
Madaraka Day celebrations held at Wajir County’s newly constructed 10,000-seater stadium have sparked political debate and public discussion over development priorities in the region, despite government efforts to highlight infrastructure investment in North Eastern Kenya.
President William Ruto presided over the national celebrations, using the occasion to emphasize ongoing government projects aimed at promoting national unity and equitable development through the rotation of major state events across all regions.
However, the celebrations were accompanied by sharp criticism from sections of political commentators and activists who raised concerns over persistent socio-economic challenges in Wajir County.
In widely circulated remarks posted on his social media page, one commentator questioned the state of essential services in the region, stating: “Wajir town has no functioning sewerage system, power rationing is their daily pain. They have no water. Feeder roads and main roads in and out of Wajir are in a deplorable state.”
The post further questioned development priorities, arguing that residents continue to face severe shortages in basic services despite large-scale public infrastructure investments in the region.
Other critics echoed similar sentiments, pointing to challenges in access to clean water, healthcare, education, electricity supply, road infrastructure, and food security, arguing that these remain key issues affecting daily life for residents.
Government officials and allied leaders, however, defended the decision to host Madaraka Day in Wajir, describing it as a historic milestone aimed at promoting inclusion and integrating historically marginalized regions into national celebrations.
They argued that ongoing and planned infrastructure projects are part of a broader long-term strategy to address regional inequalities and improve service delivery across the country.
Madaraka Day, which marks Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963, was celebrated this year with a strong focus on national unity and regional inclusion, with Wajir hosting the event for the first time since independence.
As celebrations concluded, the event highlighted both the government’s push for symbolic inclusion and the continuing national debate over development gaps and resource allocation in different parts of the country.
