All set for Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kwale with focus on affordable housing

Kwale County is set to mark history today as it hosts the 61st Mashujaa Day celebrations for the first time, with the newly built 10,200-seater Kwale Stadium as the venue.

The event, themed around affordable housing, is expected to draw thousands, including President William Ruto, who will honour 142 heroes for their contributions to the nation.

Security has been heightened, and traffic control measures are in place to ensure a smooth celebration, with gates having opened early this morning.

The day's programme will also feature the unveiling of key government initiatives under the affordable housing agenda.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhodah Onyancha, speaking during a media briefing alongside government spokespersons and several Principal Secretaries, assured both residents and visitors that security measures are in place.

"We have enhanced security to ensure a smooth event, and traffic control plans are in effect for busy roads leading to and from the region," she said.

The stadium gates opened at 4 am, with two entrances available to the public. Attendees were seated by 7 am, ahead of the official start of the celebrations.

Heroes recognised

During the ceremony, 142 heroes will be recognised across 14 categories, including sports, philanthropy, statesmanship, and indigenous cultures. Some of the heroes will receive posthumous recognition after a thorough vetting process.

Karibu Kwale Stadium, Kwale County, as we honour our heroes this Mashujaa Day!

Join us tomorrow for a celebration of the great lives that shaped our nation. pic.twitter.com/Tcl8R1BCX4

— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) October 19, 2024

According to Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, the selected heroes have made significant contributions to society, often risking their lives to benefit their communities, with some receiving global recognition for their efforts.

A key highlight of this year's event will also be the historic presence of a Guard of Honour led by Lieutenant Colonel Faith Mwagandi, the first female senior officer to command such a formation at a national event.

Meanwhile, Lands, Public Works, and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome revealed that over 550,000 Kenyans have already applied for the affordable housing programme.

Speaking in Kwale, she highlighted the current housing deficit in the country, which stands at over 2 million units, and reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the gap.

"We need to build at least 200,000 housing units per year to tackle the shortage," Wahome said.

"With the support of the National Treasury and contributions from Kenyans, we have rolled out a robust programme. This is why we introduced the affordable housing levy."

Wahome also noted that the project aims to create jobs and improve security by providing decent living conditions.

"We have already employed at least 145,000 youth. In the smallest projects, we see about 200 to 300 youth working per day. The economic activity and security in these areas improve significantly once the projects are underway," she added.

The affordable housing project remains a key pillar in the government's agenda to boost economic growth and provide more Kenyans with access to homeownership.