By the 254.ke Newsroom.
Mashujaa Day 2026 will be held on Tuesday, October 20, and for the first time the national celebration is being shared by three counties: Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet. The main ceremony is set for Eldoret, after the government moved it from Kamariny Stadium in Iten in July. As of late September, officials said none of the three stadiums involved was finished.
Where is Mashujaa Day 2026 being held?
The three host counties are Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier named Kamariny Stadium in Iten as the venue. On July 13, President William Ruto said he had met leaders from the three counties to discuss co-hosting the event in Eldoret City, according to Kenyans.co.ke.
The Star reported that the shift followed concerns that Iten lacked the infrastructure to host a national-scale event. Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed the decision, calling it “an honour for the county of champions”. The Standard reported that the move also drew a backlash from some quarters.
How far along are the stadiums?
A Ministry of Sports update reported by Citizen Digital on September 25 gave these completion figures:
| Stadium | Location | Completion | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kipchoge Keino Stadium | Eldoret | 68% | 15,043 |
| Kamariny Stadium | Iten | 58% | 10,000 |
| Kapsabet Stadium | Nandi | 45.4% | 10,000 |
Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who chairs the steering committee, said: “I am confident that we will be ready for the celebrations. There is still considerable work to be done.” Road improvements are under way in Eldoret, Kapsabet and Iten, along with water connection work across the three counties. The Ministry of Sports leads the preparations, with support from the Ministry of Defence.
What is the 2026 theme and programme?
This year’s theme is “Security, Sports and the Finance Sector (The Economy)”. Activities are scheduled from October 13 to 18, leading up to the national ceremony on October 20.
Is Mashujaa Day a public holiday?
Yes. Mashujaa Day is a statutory public holiday in Kenya, observed every October 20. In 2026 it falls on a Tuesday.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mashujaa Day 2026?
Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Which counties are hosting?
Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet, the first time three counties have shared the national event.
Where will the main ceremony be?
In Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. Officials had not publicly confirmed the exact stadium in the reports reviewed on October 2, 2026.
Why was the venue moved from Iten?
Reports said Iten lacked the infrastructure for a national-scale celebration, though the government’s public explanation was limited.
See also: Kitui Stadium Upgrade for Mashujaa Day and Hill School Girls Eldoret Fire Puts Safety Rules to Test.
For official updates, see the State House Kenya website.
