By Robert Mutasi 
A shortage of workers is slowing construction at key projects in Eldoret as Uasin Gishu County intensifies preparations to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Edisson Nyale said contractors working on the Kipchoge Keino Stadium and affordable housing projects have resorted to bringing in workers from other parts of the country to accelerate construction.
Nyale said the projects are operating around the clock, but a shortage of skilled and general workers continues to affect the pace of work with about 10 days remaining before the national celebrations.
“We have a lot of work going on at various sites, including the stadium, and we have achieved good progress, but there has been a challenge of few workers on site,” Nyale said.
He spoke in Eldoret during a briefing on preparations for the Mashujaa Day celebrations, which will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Nyale called on young people with construction skills, including painters, to report to the various project sites and take advantage of the available employment opportunities.
He said construction at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium was approaching 80 per cent completion. The venue is expected to accommodate about 15,000 people during the celebrations.
The commissioner said authorities were also preparing for large delegations expected to travel to Eldoret for the national event. Large screens will be installed outside the stadium to allow residents who cannot enter the venue to follow the proceedings live.
Security has also been strengthened across Eldoret following profiling and assessment by security agencies.
Nyale said authorities were working with hotels and other stakeholders to ensure adequate accommodation for the expected visitors.
Several roads within Eldoret City are also nearing completion and are expected to improve movement during the celebrations.
President William Ruto is expected to preside over the Mashujaa Day celebrations at the stadium after touring the region and commissioning various development projects.
Nyale said sports competitions and other public activities were already taking place across Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet as part of efforts to involve residents in the celebrations.
He said different committees had been established to oversee security, transport, accommodation and other aspects of the preparations.
The commissioner expressed confidence that all arrangements would be completed before October 20, when Eldoret hosts the national celebrations for the first time.