Kenyan leaders across the political divide on Friday penned lovely messages as the country marked the 60th Mashujaa Day.
The national celebrations are being held for the first time in Kericho county where President William Ruto is expected to preside over the ceremony.
The event is at the Kericho Green stadium which has a capacity of 10,000.
"It is the extraordinary deeds of ordinary people that we celebrate today! May the cherished tales of their lives inspire us to continue the noble work they started; building the nation, one brick of sacrifice after another," Interior PS Raymond Omollo.
"Mashujaa Day is a day for us to honor the heroes & heroines of our county and our nation and to aspire to be heroes in our own right. Let's cherish our rich history and recommit ourselves to the shared goal of a better Homa Bay County for all. Happy Mashujaa Day!," Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
"We honour those who stood fearless for our nation. The true meaning of heroism lies in the sacrifices made for the greater good. Happy Mashujaa Day. Today is a reminder that ordinary individuals can rise to become extraordinary heroes," PS for Public Health Mary Muthoni.
"Wishing all Kenyans a Blessed #MashujaaDay. To all the HealthCare colleagues working today, including our Community Health Promoters, thank you for your service and may God bless the work of your hands," CS for Health Susan Nakhumicha.
"Even as we set aside a day to commemorate the heroes and heroines of our nation, may we, each passing day, live by their wise words and emulate their virtuous deeds. Happy Mashujaa Day!" CS for Defence Aden Duale.
"Happy Mashujaa Day, fellow Kenyans! Today, we honor the brave souls who have shaped our nation's history. Let's draw inspiration from their courage and strive to be heroes in our own right, contributing positively to our beloved Kenya," Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa
"Only a people that celebrate their past heroes can create today's heroes! You and I are the present and the future Shujaas! Today I celebrate all of you! Happy Mashujaa Day!" Lang'ata MP Felix Oduor.
"Let the sacrifices of our heroes serve as inspiration for our unity and collective effort to improve our beloved country each day. Happy Mashujaa Day," Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.