Makadara residents turn out in large numbers for Mashujaa Day

BY SAMMY KIMATU
More than 1,200 residents turned up for the 2026 Mashujaa Day celebrations in Makadara, Nairobi, reaffirming their commitment to working with the government to improve security, healthcare, youth empowerment and service delivery.

The celebrations, held on October 20 at the Deputy County Commissioner’s compound in Makadara, were presided over by Makadara Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Phillip Koima, who delivered President William Ruto’s message contained in the official presidential speech.

The event brought together National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), members of the Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committee (SCSIC), village elders, National Police Service officers, community-based organisations (CBOs), members of the Makadara business community and other stakeholders.

Local leaders expressed support for the government’s development agenda, pledging to work with the administration to address challenges affecting residents and improve service delivery.

In his address, Koima commended residents for their cooperation with security agencies in the ongoing crackdown on illicit brews and drugs, which he described as a major threat to the health, safety and future of young people.

He urged residents to continue providing information to the relevant authorities to help combat the sale and distribution of illegal alcoholic drinks and narcotic substances.

Koima said the fight against illicit brews and drugs required a collective effort involving security agencies, parents, community leaders, businesspeople and other stakeholders.

Focus on service delivery and youth

He also urged residents to observe public health regulations and follow official health guidelines to protect themselves and their families against the Ebola epidemic.

The administrator emphasised the importance of public awareness and cooperation with health authorities, urging residents to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to safeguard community health.

Koima further challenged civil servants working in Makadara to prioritise quality, efficient and timely service delivery, saying government officers had a responsibility to ensure citizens received services professionally and without unnecessary delays.

He urged public servants to remain accountable and responsive to residents’ needs, noting that effective service delivery was essential in building public confidence in government institutions.

Meanwhile, Makadara village elders thanked the government for recognising their role in supporting National Government Administrative Officers in resolving community disputes and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The elders pledged to continue working closely with local administrators to address conflicts at the grassroots level and contribute to improved service delivery.

Youth leaders also commended the government for introducing various empowerment initiatives and programmes aimed at improving young people’s livelihoods and creating opportunities for economic advancement.

However, members of Climate Worxs Youth Group appealed to the government to increase their daily payments and prioritise the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and working tools to enable them to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

Register to SHA

They said improved working conditions and adequate equipment would enhance productivity while protecting young people engaged in environmental and community-based activities.

Koima also encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable them to access benefits under the government’s universal health coverage programme.

He urged households to embrace the health insurance initiative, saying wider registration would help more Kenyans access healthcare services and reduce the financial burden associated with medical treatment.

The Mashujaa Day celebrations provided an opportunity for residents and leaders to honour Kenya’s heroes while reflecting on the country’s development priorities and the role of communities in advancing national goals.

The event ended with renewed calls for cooperation between the government and residents in addressing insecurity, tackling drug abuse, promoting public health, empowering young people and ensuring efficient delivery of public services.