PHOTOS: Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Filled By Midnight Ahead of Madaraka Day

Thousands of enthusiastic residents packed the newly constructed venue as the county prepares to host Kenya’s national celebrations for the first time

HOMA BAY – The newly constructed Raila Odinga Stadium witnessed scenes of unprecedented excitement Saturday night as thousands of residents flocked to the venue, filling the 20,000-seat facility to capacity just before midnight ahead of today’s historic Madaraka Day celebrations.

The remarkable turnout forced authorities to close all stadium gates as crowds continued streaming in, with dramatic videos circulating on social media showing the massive concrete bowl filled to the brim with eager spectators. Many residents who couldn’t secure entry continued gathering outside the perimeter, testament to the county’s enthusiasm for hosting Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations.

Historic First for Homa Bay

This marks the first time Homa Bay County has been selected to host the national Madaraka Day event, a milestone that residents have embraced with overwhelming pride. The celebrations, themed “Our Water, Our Wealth: Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Economic Development,” strategically highlight the county’s position on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, speaking at Tom Mboya University Saturday, emphasized the deliberate choice of Homa Bay as the venue. “This year’s Madaraka Day, held in the heart of the Nyanza region, is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which places the Blue Economy and Maritime affairs at the heart of sustainable development,” he stated.

Sh500 Million Investment Bears Fruit

The impressive scenes at the stadium represent the culmination of significant government investment in the region. The Raila Odinga Stadium, constructed at a cost of Sh500 million, stands as what Mwaura described as “a symbol of equitable development and the fruits of devolution.”

Beyond the stadium construction, the government has undertaken extensive infrastructural upgrades in preparation for the celebrations. More than 35 kilometers of roads have been rehabilitated or newly constructed, including the crucial Homa Bay Pier-Stadium Road and access routes to the county government headquarters in Arojo. The ongoing upgrade of Kabunde Airstrip further demonstrates the comprehensive approach to preparing the region for this significant event.

Blue Economy Takes Center Stage

The choice of Homa Bay aligns perfectly with the government’s focus on the Blue Economy, leveraging the county’s strategic position on Africa’s largest lake. The administration is investing Sh1.5 billion in developing fish landing sites in Wakula, Mainuga, and Nyadhiwa within Homa Bay County.

Local businesses have already begun experiencing the economic ripple effects, with hotels and food establishments reporting increased activity as visitors arrive for the celebrations. The government has also announced plans for a Maritime Centre of Excellence at Tom Mboya University, backed by presidential support, to expand training in aquaculture and maritime technology.

High-Profile Attendance Expected

Ruto and Raila having a hearty laugh while on tour in Homa Bay.

Today’s celebrations will draw Kenya’s top leadership, including President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Governor Gladys Wanga has described hosting the event as a “devolution blessing” for Homa Bay, reflecting the pride and significance the county attaches to this unprecedented opportunity.

Economic Transformation Agenda

The celebrations serve as a practical demonstration of the Kenya Kwanza government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with the Blue Economy positioned as a key pillar for sustainable development. Small-scale farmers are receiving support through the Aquaculture Business Development Programme, while a Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Centre of Excellence is under construction in Kabonyo.

As Homa Bay prepares to take center stage in Kenya’s national consciousness, the scenes of thousands gathering at the Raila Odinga Stadium before midnight underscore the county’s readiness to showcase its potential as a hub for the Blue Economy and a model for regional development.

The packed stadium serves not just as a venue for celebration, but as a symbol of Homa Bay’s emergence as a significant player in Kenya’s economic transformation narrative.

The Madaraka Day celebrations begin at 10:00 AM at the Raila Odinga Stadium, with live broadcasts available on national television and radio stations.