Ruto, Raila Leads in Madaraka Day 2025 Celebrations

President William Ruto, alongside Slovenian President and Women’s Champion H.E. Natasha Pirc Musar and former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, graced the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County.

The event, themed "Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs," aimed to enhance maritime access, infrastructure, and fish production in the lakeside counties of Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, and Kisumu. Infrastructure developments are set to improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk through enhanced aquaculture, rural and urban access roads for fish transportation, fish landing sites, and expanded local and international markets.

President Ruto has already launched key projects, including the fully operational Kolanyo Beach in Kisumu and a beach pier in Homa Bay County. In Siaya, the State Department for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, in collaboration with the County Government, has commissioned construction of fish landing sites at Usenge, Luanda K’Oteno, Wich Lum, and Asembo Bay beaches.

Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, described the event as a milestone for Homa Bay and the Nyanza region. He urged full implementation of devolution as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution and called for adequate time for the President to execute his development agenda. Raila also advocated for compensation for families who lost loved ones during recent demonstrations and commended President Ruto for development initiatives in the region.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki emphasized the need for closer political cooperation with regional leaders to roll out national development projects.

President Ruto, who invited Slovenian President H.E. Natasha Pirc Musar, called for strengthened diplomatic ties between Kenya and Slovenia. Slovenia recently celebrated an anniversary of diplomatic relations with Kenya, and President Pirc Musar congratulated Kenya for being the first African nation to ratify a treaty with Slovenia. She highlighted several partnership projects benefiting both countries.

An elated President Ruto thanked the people of Homa Bay for their vibrant participation in the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations. He emphasized that citizens are the pillars of nation-building and urged bold and determined action to achieve positive change. “The only way to build the Kenya we want is to approach our tasks boldly and with determination, now, not later,” he stated.

Madaraka Day underscored collective gains through agricultural production and other development initiatives in the region. On affordable housing, President Ruto affirmed the National government’s commitment to delivering over 1,500 houses in Homa Bay County, contributing to 250,000 jobs nationwide.

Regarding the Social Health Authority (SHA), the President announced that over Ksh. 43 billion has been disbursed, benefiting 43 million Kenyans. He outlined a nationwide program to integrate SHA coverage in level two and three hospitals, including Siaya Referral Hospital and Bondo Health Centre. The National government is collaborating with county governments to streamline medical supplies through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to prevent loss of life due to drug shortages.

On the revitalization of the sugar industry, President Ruto encouraged sugarcane farmers to continue harvesting, assuring them of a government policy ensuring prompt payment upon delivery.

In education, the President highlighted Kenya’s transition to a competency-based curriculum, supported by additional classrooms, learning materials, and an improved teacher-to-student ratio. Enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has grown from 500,000 to 2 million.

The Hustler Fund, the President announced, has supported over 25 million Kenyans and is accessible to all, regardless of formal employment status.

Through a partnership with the World Bank, Kenya has launched the Ksh. 20 billion National Youth Opportunity Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, targeting at least 70 youth per ward across 47 counties. The initiative offers grant funding, business training, and market linkages, with over 1 million applicants already registered. President Ruto urged young people to take advantage of this opportunity.

On the marine and blue economy, the government is implementing deliberate initiatives to develop Nyanza’s water economy. A training facility for aquaculture is under development in Kabonyo, Kisumu, complementing similar efforts on Kenya’s coast to unlock maritime opportunities. Modern fish landing sites and cooling plants are under construction in the Nyanza region, supported by road improvements. Over 400 fish cages have been established in Kisumu, boosting fish production for local markets.

President Ruto thanked the people of Homa Bay County and congratulated Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for fostering collaboration between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza Coalition for the nation’s benefit. “Hatuna wasiwasi, hatuna midomo mingi. Let’s work together,” he said.

The event was attended by a host of leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Hon. Gladys Wanga, Siaya Governor Hon. James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko. Cabinet Secretaries present included Hon. Ali Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs) and Hon. Salim Mvurya (Sports). Principal Secretaries included Harry Kimtai (Mining), Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy), and Aden Millow (Maritime Affairs). Members of the diplomatic community, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies, and thousands of Kenyans also attended.