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

In a statement shared on his official X account, Ruto said the meeting focused on coordinating plans for the event and called for an inclusive approach to ensure its success.

“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,” the President said.

He urged county leaders to involve all relevant stakeholders in planning the celebrations, noting that Mashujaa Day holds great national significance.

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

The announcement marks a notable development from earlier plans that had identified Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet County as the venue for the 2026 celebrations.

In May this year, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the national event would be held at the stadium in Elgeyo-Marakwet, describing it as a historic opportunity for the county to host one of Kenya’s most important national celebrations.

Murkomen also revealed that President Ruto had intervened to revive the long-delayed construction of the 10,000-seat Kamariny Stadium, allowing works to resume in 2025 after years of setbacks caused by contractor changes and other implementation challenges.

The Cabinet Secretary has since conducted several inspection tours at the facility, expressing confidence that it will be completed in time to host major sporting events while supporting athletics development in the region.

With Eldoret City now confirmed as the host venue, preparations are expected to be coordinated jointly by the governments of Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties in partnership with the national government.

The collaborative hosting arrangement is expected to showcase the North Rift’s economic, cultural and sporting significance while strengthening regional cooperation ahead of the national celebrations.

Officials are also expected to accelerate infrastructure projects associated with the event, including road improvements, hospitality facilities and the completion of Kamariny Stadium, which remains a key regional sports investment.

Mashujaa Day, observed annually on October 20, commemorates Kenyans who played a significant role in the country’s struggle for independence and those who have contributed to national development.

The celebrations rotate among different regions each year, with the host counties working closely with the national government to prepare venues, security arrangements and supporting infrastructure.

The decision to have three counties jointly host the 2026 celebrations marks one of the most collaborative approaches to the national event in recent years and is expected to place Eldoret and the wider North Rift region in the national spotlight.