Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay was filled as thousands gathered to commemorate Madaraka Day, marking 62 years since Kenya achieved internal self-rule. This year’s national celebrations held special significance, as Homa Bay County proudly hosted the event for the very first time, a powerful symbol of the nation’s unwavering commitment to devolution and inclusivity.
President William Ruto’s speech centered on a transformative vision for economic growth and the crucial, often underestimated, role of national self-belief. He acknowledged Kenya’s significant progress since the very first Madaraka Day but then directly challenged Kenyans to profoundly reflect on their collective self-belief, asserting that without it, countless opportunities would inevitably be lost.
President Ruto emphasized that Kenya was not lacking in imaginative strategies, but rather in the robust implementation and effective execution of those plans. He meticulously outlined his government’s steadfast commitment to stabilizing the national economy and charting a clear, unambiguous course towards long-term prosperity.
President Ruto proposed a reform to the Housing Levy, which would allow contributors to access affordable home loans of up to KSh 5 million. He cited the recent ceremonial handing over of keys to the first occupants of 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay as a potent, tangible example of his administration’s pro-people policies in dynamic action. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” firmly affirming that the blue economy was a central, indispensable pillar of this vision.
He announced the introduction of a health fund payment model that will allow Kenyans to remit their Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions with flexibility, stating that “LIPA SHA POLE POLE” or “LIPA SHA MOS MOS” will be the solution to address persistent challenges, including irregular premiums and other contributions among informal sector workers. He concluded his address by passionately calling on all Kenyans to courageously embrace change, diligently work hard, boldly innovate, and exhibit unwavering resilience to truly transform the nation with their own brilliant minds and capable hands, powerfully reminding them that “no one else is going to bring change except us.”
Chief Guest, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar’s esteemed presence powerfully underscored Kenya’s growing diplomatic ties and its increasing global standing. President Musar lauded Kenya’s exemplary leadership in fostering African unity and robust economic growth, particularly its pivotal role in the ratification of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement. She drew poignant parallels between Kenya’s arduous journey to independence and Slovenia’s own historical struggles for freedom, emphasizing the shared universal values of self-determination and profound national pride.
Musar stressed that Africa’s inherent strength lay in its unity, urging continued and deepened collaboration in critical areas such as trade, peace, and shared development goals. She also brought crucial global issues to the forefront, advocating for smaller nations like Slovenia and Kenya to collectively raise their voices for peace, environmental protection, innovation, and justice on the international stage.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki passionately urged both national and county leaders to prioritize the active involvement of young people in governance, asserting that a truly united and prosperous Kenya demanded the collaborative efforts of all citizens, irrespective of age. “No generation is superior to the other,” he affirmed, stressing the profound importance of valuing contributions across all age groups.
Kindiki extended a gracious acknowledgement to ODM leader Raila Odinga, recognizing his long-standing and courageous contributions to Kenya’s political evolution, noting that Odinga had significantly advanced Kenyan politics “before some of us even arrived on the scene.” He also commended President Ruto’s unwavering commitment to inclusive economic growth, particularly in strengthening traditional sectors and robustly supporting emerging industries like the blue economy, a key focus for the Homa Bay region.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga made a heartfelt appeal for stronger devolution and genuine national healing. Acknowledging President Ruto’s recent apology at the National Prayer Breakfast, Odinga pressed for further decisive steps towards closure, specifically advocating for compensation for families who tragically lost loved ones during last year’s “Gen Z” protests and earlier demonstrations. “It’s the only way to heal and move forward,” he stated with conviction. Odinga lauded the Madaraka Day celebration in Homa Bay as irrefutable proof that devolution was “alive and serving Kenyans.”
He strongly urged President Ruto to vigilantly protect and further strengthen devolution by ensuring counties receive adequate resources, advocating for a significant allocation of KSh 450 billion to counties in the upcoming budget. He also specifically called upon Members of Parliament to focus squarely on their legislative and oversight roles, allowing county governments to lead the charge on grassroots development, thereby streamlining service delivery. He issued a stern caution against any attempts to resurrect the old provincial administration system.
The host Governor, Gladys Wanga, appreciated President Ruto for selecting Homa Bay as the host. “For the first time,” she declared, “the people of Homa Bay are not merely following this national celebration on the media; they are experiencing it first-hand!” Governor Wanga enthusiastically highlighted the tangible fruits of the President’s commitment, proudly showcasing the expanded 12,000-seater, canopy-covered Raila Odinga Stadium, the significantly upgraded Kabunde airstrip, and the dualing of the main highway, all promises remarkably fulfilled within a mere six months. She passionately championed the cause of devolution, emphasizing that hosting this national event solidified Homa Bay’s crucial role in Kenya’s development narrative and celebrated the rich cultural heritage and untapped potential of the Luo Nyanza region. Looking ahead, Governor Wanga articulated the county’s ambitious aspiration for city status within the next decade, citing ongoing foundational projects like the new county headquarters and enhanced own-source revenue initiatives as vital stepping stones.
