By Robert Mutasi 
Eldoret’s business community has reported increased economic activity ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for October 20, 2026, with hotels, construction suppliers and transport operators already benefiting from preparations for the national event.
Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Uasin Gishu Chapter Chairman Willie Kenei said the celebrations had begun attracting visitors, traders and other stakeholders to Eldoret and neighbouring counties.
Speaking at the chamber’s offices, Kenei welcomed the decision to host the national celebrations in Eldoret, saying local businesses expected higher sales as more visitors arrived for the event.
“We have so many guests around here in Eldoret, especially coming in to prepare for this big event,” Kenei said.
He thanked President William Ruto for selecting Eldoret to host the national fete, adding that businesses had started experiencing the economic impact of the preparations.
According to Kenei, hotels have recorded increased bookings, while suppliers of construction materials and companies in the transport and logistics sectors have also reported improved business.
He said traders expected activity to increase further as October 20 approaches, with more visitors likely to spend money on accommodation, food, transport and other services.
The KNCCI chairman also praised cooperation between the business community and government agencies. He said the County Commissioner’s office had maintained communication with traders to help prepare for the arrival of visitors.
Kenei urged hospitality businesses to improve their services and maintain high standards to meet the expectations of guests visiting Eldoret and neighbouring counties.
He said hotels, restaurants, guest houses and other accommodation providers should prepare adequately to ensure visitors receive quality services throughout the celebrations.
“Those investing in the hospitality industry should up their game and ensure that we have the best quality for all our guests who are coming to stay here in Eldoret and our neighbouring counties in the North Rift region,” he said.
On accommodation, Kenei expressed confidence that Eldoret had enough capacity to host visitors attending the celebrations.
He cited the city’s experience hosting the Devolution Conference as evidence of its ability to accommodate large numbers of guests. He also pointed to the growth of Airbnb facilities and guest houses as additional options for visitors.
Kenei said towns such as Iten and Kapsabet, alongside other parts of the North Rift, could provide extra accommodation if demand exceeded the available rooms in Eldoret.
However, he maintained that the city had sufficient hotel capacity to accommodate the expected visitors.
Eldoret’s selection as the host of Mashujaa Day places the city at the centre of national attention, with businesses hoping to turn the increased visitor numbers into higher revenues.
The celebrations will also offer local enterprises an opportunity to showcase their products and services to visitors from across the country.
Eldoret became Kenya’s fifth city in August 2024 after the conferment of city status. The 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations will give the city another opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to host major national events.