Kwale Writes History as it Hosts First National Event Since Independence
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The vibrate Kwale town of Kwale County is bursting with a beehive of activities as it prepares to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations for the first time in its history.
President William Ruto will lead the celebration at the Kwale County stadium on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at an event expected to honour Kenya’s heroes.
Coast regional coordinator Rhoda Onyancha, speaking at a media breakfast on Saturday, October 19, 2024 says the annual event has brought significant benefits to the region, including infrastructural development and economic growth.
“The region has benefited with a lot of government projects. They are countless. Apart from infrastructural projects, the region will enjoy brisk business due to influx of visitors,” she added.
The administrator confirmed that security had been beefed up to ensure the event was a success.
She assured guests of their security as they toured the coastal beaches.
“We have heightened security both on land and air. To our visitors, who are flocking the region, we welcome you to sample what the region has to offer in terms of tourism hospitality.”
Kwale is already benefitting from key infrastructure projects, including the near-completion of Kwale Stadium which has created job opportunities for the residents.
The primary event will be held at the Kwale Stadium which has undergone a massive facelift to accommodate the expected 12,000 guests, including national dignitaries, tourists and local residents.
Most of the roads leading to the stadium and other key areas have also been refurbished through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
In addition, the Diani Airport, one of the key transport hubs in the county, is also undergoing a significant upgrade.
In preparation for the influx of dignitaries and visitors, the airport and the surrounding roads have been refurbished.
Alongside the stadium, President Ruto will host a luncheon at the County Commissioner’s residence, which is being transformed into a mini state lodge for the event. The residence has been completely rebuilt.
Meanwhile, Information Computer Technology Principal Secretary Principal Secretary Professor Edward Kisuang’ani has appealed to journalists to be patriotic enough and assist the government in conveying the correct information to targeted audience.
PS says though the government has fogged ahead in matters development little is being disseminated to the audience as expected.
“Journalists are part of the government and that’s why they’re called members of the fourth estate, thus, I would expect you to be patriotic enough by assisting the sitting government in passing the right information to the target audience at the required time,” he said.
Kisangan (check this name) adds the move will diffuse the disinformation currently being experienced around.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Lekakeny Ololtuaa who was also around said the government was contemplating embracing wedding tourism to tap from its neighbouring country Tanzania.
Government spokesman Issac Mwaura and his deputy Mwanaisha Chidzuga who were all present praised the move to have the Mashujaa celebrations held different counties!
Among those who will be feted are members of the Kenya Tong IL Moodo sports Salma Ali Abdallah, Lorna Apiyo Abiero and Elvis Malipe.
The three are among 15 sports men and women that have been nominated for this year’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations and are now looking forward to be declared national heroes by President William Ruto.
