Kenyans arrive at the Kericho Green Stadium for Mashujaa Day celebrations. [Julius Chepkwony, Standard]
A carnival atmosphere engulfed the Kericho Green Stadium in Kericho County on Friday as thousands of Kenyans turned up for celebrations to mark the 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations to be presided over by President William Ruto.
As early as 5 am, people were already arriving at the stadium to attend this year's event, during which the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a Kenya Kwanza government pre-election promise aimed at improving healthcare in the country, will be launched.
Security was intensified at the refurbished stadium as Kenyans thronged the venue to celebrate the heroes' day.
There were long queues by Friday 3 am when people started making their into the venue. They were screened by members of the General Service Unit (GSU), the National Police Service (NPS), and the National Youth Service (NYS) as they entered the stadium.
Sniffer dogs were also at hand to help. All luggage was screened at three separate gates at the entrance to the stadium.
By 6 am, at least eight stands at the stadium were full of jubilant citizens who braved the chilly morning to attend the event in Kericho, which is in the South Rift region famous for its world-class tea. The stadium has a seating capacity of 10,000. It was closed at 6 am on Friday, October 20, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
This is the first time Kericho County is playing host to the national day event.
Last year's Mashujaa Day was held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi. The venue for the 60th Mashujaa Day at Kericho Green Stadium. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard] Security officers match at the Kericho Green Stadium during Mashujaa Day Celebrations on Friday, October 20, 2023. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard] AP officers match at the Kericho Green Stadium during Mashujaa Day Celebrations on Friday, October 20, 2023. [Joseph Kipsang, Standard]
