Kisumu residents reap big as opportunities rise ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations
A glimmer of hope is simmering in Kisumu as the Madaraka Day celebrations ushers in several opportunities for the region's economy.
Already, hundreds of people were employed under short-term basis at the Jomo Kenyatta International Sports Center in Mamboleo where the Madaraka Day celebrations will be held.
Now, plans by the Kisumu County to get the modern sports facility is at an advanced stage as workers finalises the construction of the Sh350 million Jomo Kenyatta Sports complex with hundreds of youths being employed.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the nation in marking the 58th celebration with a number of guests expected to attend.
This week, the head of the state will also lead in the commissioning of several projects including the Uhuru business park, Kisumu Port, Jomo Kenyatta Sports Complex, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports complex, Inland container depot at Kibos and 400kv power project by Ketraco among others.
During a morning talkshow with a local radio station on Tuesday, Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr.Mathew Owili said Madaraka Day celebrations has created both short and long term job opportunities for Kisumu residents.
"Ship yard, Marine School, Railway Training Institute, Jomo Kenyatta stadium are just but a few projects that will offer job opportunities," he said.
He added that a Special Economic Zone is also going to be a huge investment to Kisumu residents with so many products coming out of it and also the revitization of port will add alot of value addition to the lakeside city residents.
Currently, the DG said all hotels have been booked and are full an opportunity which has also given suppliers a chance to sell their products to the hoteliers.
Madaraka Day celebrations that will be held next week he said is a big boost to Kisumu residents.
When the president visited the lakeside city some time back, he said as leaders they requested the president to commission some of the projects which most have been done while others are yet to come.
Due to Covid-19 virus that hit the country in March last year Owili said the 30,000 seater stadium will only be allowed to accommodate 3,000 people to help observe social distancing and contain the disease.
Other than the stadium, the County Government has set two other alternative grounds at the Raila Kirembe grounds and Owuor grounds in Kibos which will be able to host 12,000 people each fitted with big screens to enable them watch the event live as it happens.
Face masks will also be distributed to 30,000 people for free with hand washing stations deployed all over.
"Emergency response team will also be deployed everywhere at the grounds so that in the event somebody feels unwell, they will be attended to immediately," said the DG.
The two alternative grounds the DG said it will be a first come first serve basis while at the stadium, only those who will be given invite cards will be allowed.
On matters of security issues, Kisumu County Commissioner Josephine Ouko said enough officers have been deployed to ensure that the day will be peaceful.
"I want to appeal to Kisumu residents to maintain their discipline, turn in large numbers and also show their best foot forward to the visitors we are expecting," she said.
