President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Kakamega ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations , as the region’s leaders plan to reap from the occasion.
Mr Kenyatta first landed at Kisumu airport at around 6pm yesterday and later flew to Kakamega via a military helicopter, accompanied by his wife Margaret.
Prior to their arrival, Kakamega Town was bubbling with activities ahead of the event to be held at Bukhungu stadium.
Interior Security Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Senator Cleophas Malala visited the venue to inspect the progress of the preparations.
Mr Kibicho said the national and county governments partnered to improve infrastructure and other facilities to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The other issue is soliciting support from the national government to help operationalise the Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital that is being constructed at a cost of Sh6 billion.
With the celebrations hours away, the residents are marvelling at the transformation ushered in by the improved infrastructure.
From Shirere, just after the Isiukhu bridge on the Kakamega-Kisumu road, a carnival mood was palpable when one drove into Kakamega Town, which is transforming into a 24-hour business hub.
The main Kakamega-Kisumu dual highway has been festooned with the national and county flags.
Street lights have been erected in the central business district and along major roads, with residents of Amalemba, Maeraba, Town Scheme, Lurambi, Lutonyi and Murrum estates benefitting.
For the past one month, officials have been working to clean-up the town as Governor Oparanya banks on the attention the event will generate nationwide to market his region’s economic potential.