In a move that has been widely perceived and criticised as “daredevil”, President William Ruto’s administration in Kenya is forging ahead with plans to hold June 1 Independence Day celebrations in the frontier town of Wajir that borders troubled Somalia in northeast.

The region has since independence in 1963 been a playground for shifta (armed bandits) and in recent years has become terrorist-riven, thanks to decades of political instability in Somalia since 1991.

In recent months, President Ruto safety has been tested when twice youths breached the security cordon around him and nearly attacked him to underline the threat armed militia groups from Somalia pose in the region.

On Thursday, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo conducted an inspection tour of Wajir County to assess the progress of preparations for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations scheduled for June 1, 2026.

Dr Omollo, who also chairs the Steering Committee on National Celebrations, said preparations were steadily gaining momentum, noting that the main stadium had reached 28 per cent completion.

“We are satisfied with the progress made so far, but we must now move with greater speed to ensure that all works are completed within the set timelines. This is a national event and it must be delivered to the highest standards,” he said.

He said the government had adopted a coordinated multi-agency approach to ensure timely delivery of all projects, adding that implementing agencies were working round the clock to meet key milestones.

“We have brought together all relevant agencies under one coordinated framework to ensure seamless delivery. Every aspect of these preparations is being closely monitored to guarantee quality, safety, and timely completion,” he said.

Dr Omollo noted that in addition to the stadium, the government was focusing on key supporting infrastructure, including expansion and upgrading of the airport, improvement of road networks, strengthening of security arrangements, and development of accommodation facilities.

“The preparations go beyond the stadium. We are equally focused on critical infrastructure such as the airport, road networks, security systems, and accommodation to ensure that Wajir is fully ready to host the nation,” he said.

He reiterated that the government’s policy of rotating national celebrations across regions aims to promote inclusivity and national cohesion while delivering lasting development benefits to host counties.

“Taking national celebrations across the country is a deliberate policy to foster unity and ensure that every region benefits from national development. What we are seeing in Wajir is a clear demonstration of that commitment,” he added.

The principal secretary expressed confidence that all preparations would be completed on time and invited Kenyans to attend the celebrations.

“We are confident that Wajir will be ready. I want to invite all Kenyans to join us here on June 1 as we celebrate Madaraka Day together as one united nation,” he said.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno and Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura were among officials present during the inspection.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hamdi Buthul