City Affairs

Kamukunji celebrates Madaraka Day with calls for unity, development

Horseed Cultural Group entertained the guests during the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College in Airbase. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Saturday, June 1, 2024

The celebrations featured entertainment by students from various Kamukunji schools, followed by a renowned dance performance by women from Kasilili Village.

Kamukunji Sub-county held its Madaraka Day celebrations at Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College in Airbase Ward. The event was presided over by Deputy County Commissioner James Kamau and was attended by all local chiefs and sub-county leaders.

The celebrations featured entertainment by students from various Kamukunji schools, followed by a renowned dance performance by women from Kasilili Village.

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The event was characterised by calls for unity and progress within Kamukunji, with leaders highlighting several ongoing developmental projects.

Madaraka Day, a national holiday in Kenya, is celebrated on June 1 each year. It commemorates the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule after being a British colony since 1920. However, full independence was achieved on December 12, 1964.

Ronald Mulema, the Kamukunji Sub-county Administrator, announced that Nairobi City County is finalising the construction of a school feeding kitchen at Zawadi Primary School. The kitchen is expected to serve all public schools in Kamukunji starting from the third term.

Kamukunji Sub-county Deputy County Commissioner James Kamau addressing the residents. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

"By the third term, the kitchen at Zawadi Primary School will be operating and serving our schools," said Mulema.

He also said that several roads within the sub-county are nearing completion, with ongoing collaboration with the office of the area Member of Parliament.

The issue of hawkers at Yusuf Haji Avenue was also addressed. It was agreed that hawkers could operate in the evening, while shop owners within malls would conduct their business during the day.

This arrangement followed a meeting between the hawkers and Governor Johnson Sakaja at City Hall.

James Kamau, before reading President William Ruto's speech, thanked all attendees for showing unity and addressing issues collectively.

In his speech read by Kamau, President Ruto emphasised that Kenya will not revert to politics of ethnicity, personality, and exclusion.

"I want to assure Kenyans that we will never go back to politics of ethnicity and personalities," said President Ruto.

Students of Maina Wanjigi Secondary School took part in the celebration. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

He issued a stern warning to government officials against the misuse of public resources, stating that all officials, including himself, would be held accountable for resources under their supervision.

"All government officials, starting with me, shall be held accountable for resources under their supervision," he said.

President Ruto also addressed the issue of public land grabbing in Bungoma, urging those involved to surrender the land to allow for the expansion of Masinde Muliro Stadium, an airport, and other development projects.

He used the occasion to highlight his administration's achievements in the agricultural sector and promised more development projects across the country.

This year's Madaraka Day theme was Agriculture and Food Security. The celebrations at Kamukunji underscored the community's commitment to unity and development, reflecting the national theme of progress and accountability.