Thousands of Kitui residents converged at Kauwi Grounds in Kitui West Constituency to mark the 61st Madaraka Day, a national holiday celebrating Kenya’s attainment of self-governance. This year’s national celebrations were held at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.
The event in Kitui was led by County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto, who delivered a speech from President William Ruto focusing on economic growth and job creation for millions of Kenyans, particularly through the potential of agriculture and investment.
Commissioner Rutto conveyed the President’s emphasis on agriculture and food security as the central theme of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
President Ruto’s speech highlighted the government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda aimed at reducing hunger, combating poverty, and improving the health outcomes of Kenyans. He emphasized that the development of the agricultural sector is crucial for the country’s economic progress and the well-being of its citizens.
In his speech, President Ruto proudly announced the commissioning of 18,000 agripreneurs across Kenya. These agripreneurs are expected to play a vital role in ensuring that farming becomes a profitable venture for Kenyan farmers, thus putting more money into their pockets.
This move is part of a broader strategy to create a thriving, competitive, and diversified economy, capable of providing sustainable livelihoods and contributing to the nation’s overall economic health.
The celebration also served as a reminder of the historical significance of Madaraka Day. It commemorates the aspirations and struggles of Kenya’s heroes over six decades ago, who fought for and achieved self-governance.
The day highlights the timeless values of resistance against colonial invasion and the vision and passion of subsequent generations that bravely took on a mighty empire and emerged victorious. It serves as an affirmation of the nation’s commitment to pursuing progress and prosperity.
Attendees included Kitui West MP Edith Nyenze, Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua, Dr. Vincent Munyoki, and the CECM in charge of Lands and Urban Development, Fredrick Kimanga, among other dignitaries.
The 61st Madaraka Day celebrations in Kitui highlighted the critical role of agriculture in Kenya’s economic transformation. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the agricultural sector to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
The emphasis on agripreneurship and food security showcases a strategic approach to sustainable development, aiming to harness Kenya’s agricultural potential to build a prosperous and resilient nation.
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