The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority joined Kenyans at Ithookwe Stadium, Kitui County, to celebrate the 15th Mashujaa Day, a day dedicated to honouring the national heroes and heroines whose sacrifice continues to shape our nation’s destiny. The colourful ceremony was presided over by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, and attended by dignitaries including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal the Chief Guest and Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy of Mozambique, alongside Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, Senators, Members of Parliament, and other national and county leaders.
This year’s theme, “Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Energy Solutions,” organized by the Ministry of Energy, captured the government’s renewed focus on driving industrialization, value addition, and job creation through innovation and sustainability. The President underscored that Kenya must position itself as a nation that “makes things, not merely buys or imports them,” emphasizing that industrial growth, agro-processing, and manufacturing are critical to achieving sustainable economic transformation.
H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto giving his remarks during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium Kitui County.
In his address, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s manufacturing capacity through the establishment of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) in all 47 counties. These parks, he noted, will link farmers to processors, entrepreneurs to markets, and small enterprises to national and regional value chains transforming local productivity into prosperity.
The Head of State also highlighted ongoing youth empowerment initiatives, notably the rollout of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program. He stressed the importance of Component Two, which will offer Business Support through training and grants which are expected to benefit 110,000 youth across the country. The President further announced that on 24th October 2025, a NYOTA verification exercise would be conducted across all 290 constituencies to validate the authenticity and eligibility of applicants, urging National Leaders, National Government Administration Officers, and relevant stakeholders to actively participate in the process.
Moments captured during the celebrations
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to democracy and public service, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga was posthumously conferred with Kenya’s highest civilian honour the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), First Class securing his place among the nation’s most distinguished heroes. The moment drew heartfelt emotion from across the country as Kenyans reflected on his enduring contribution to the Republic.
As the country commemorated the legacy of its heroes, the day also served as a reminder of Kenya’s collective mission to build a future powered by innovation, enterprise, and sustainable growth.
Pictorial highlights from the celebrations
