The year 2002 was a monumental one for Kenya as the third president came into office. As far as self-governance goes, this stride signalled that Kenyans continued to harness their own self-determination.  Even amid questions about the holiday’s continued celebration, the last 20 years evidence political and legal developments. These advancements stand on the shoulders of the very first signs of self-governance before Kenya’s independence. 

In September 2002, agitations for a new Kenyan constitution came to life. By 2004, a draft constitution came to be and the true spirit of Madaraka shone through. Kenyan courts determined that a referendum must take place. This ensured the full and fair participation of Kenyans in choosing their own constitution. The people spoke in November 2005 and 58% rejected the new document.  

But in 2010 Kenyans once again cast their votes regarding a constitutional draft that was 3 years in the making. On August 4th, 2010, 68% of Kenyans voted yes to the new constitution. This marked a completely new era for Kenya. 

The new constitution decentralised power from Nairobi and aimed to ensure that all Kenyans had adequate representation in government. This marked the beginning of devolution as we know it. This system of government came into practice in 2013 and the familiar 8 provinces of Kenya separated into 47 counties. The year 2013 marked another momentous occasion as Kenyan marked its 50th Madaraka celebration. The event reflected on the importance of national unity and the hope that was to come with devolution. 

It is only fitting that the holiday is now celebrated across the counties when devolution is considered. After Kenya’s fourth president came into office in 2013, a meeting with governors was held. The venues for national holidays were discussed.  Madaraka Day is among three national days recognised as public holidays in the constitution. The executive, therefore, determined that two out of three national holidays including Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, and Jamhuri Day must be celebrated in the counties outside of Nairobi.  

In 2016, the celebrations – which would typically be held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi –  found a home in a different county for the first time ever. Nakuru County did the honours of hosting the event at Afraha Stadium. Nyeri hosted celebrations in 2017 while Meru and Narok hosted them in 2020 and 2021 respectively. 

There is no doubt that the name Madaraka is familiar to many Kenyans. For one, Madaraka Estate is but one example of a development project that bears the name of the monumental holiday based on Kenyan power. Jomo Kenyatta opened the neighbourhood on 29th February 1972. Madaraka Estate is the proud home of Kenyan football stars and the prestigious Strathmore University. These aspects of the estate serve as beacons of Kenyan excellence and the enduring fruits of self-governance.  

The name is also borne by the Madaraka Express which carries travellers down to the Coast of Kenya while offering a scenic journey through the breath-taking expanses that the country has to offer. The train made its maiden trip on 1st June 2017 and has since become a go-to method of transport for Kenyans plying the route between Mombasa and Nairobi. The crisscrossing trains remind us of the seeds of freedom sown during the fight for Kenya’s self-determination. 

The history of Kenya makes it clear that one stride leads directly to another. The very first independence constitution set the stage for our current one. To date, Kenyans demand participation in the legal and political developments in the country. We continue building on the steps made all those years ago and this is why observing this holiday is so important. 

How do you celebrate Madaraka day? Maybe you trek to join thousands of Kenyans in joyous celebration, watch the proceedings keenly on TV or simply spend time with family Tell us in the comments!  

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