President William Ruto has announced that the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations will be jointly hosted by Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and Nandi counties, with Eldoret City serving as the venue for the national event.

The Head of State made the announcement after meeting leaders from the three counties on Monday evening, July 13, 2026, to discuss preparations for the annual national celebration.

In a statement shared on his official X account, President Ruto said the celebrations will showcase the unity of the North Rift region and called on leaders to ensure all stakeholders are involved in the planning process.

“This evening, I hosted leaders from Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties to discuss the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations to be co-hosted by the three counties in Eldoret City,” President Ruto said.

“Considering the symbolism of the occasion, I urged the leaders to involve all the stakeholders in preparation of the national event,” he added.

Preparations for the celebrations are expected to accelerate key infrastructure projects in the North Rift, including the completion of the 10,000-seat Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

Construction of the stadium resumed in 2025 after delays caused by contractor changes and other project challenges. The facility is expected to boost athletics development and host major sporting events upon completion.

Mashujaa Day is celebrated every October 20 to honour Kenyans who contributed to the country’s struggle for independence and national development.

The national celebrations rotate across different regions each year, with host counties working alongside the national government to organize the event.

This year’s announcement places Eldoret City at the centre of one of Kenya’s most significant national celebrations, with leaders from the three counties expected to work together to deliver a successful event while showcasing the region’s rich history, culture and development.