- The initiative is part of Kenya Kwanza agenda.
- The previous celebration was held in Kericho and themed Universal Health Care (UHC).
Image: HANDOUT
This year's Mashujaa Day celebrations will embrace the theme "BomaYangu", the Presidential Committee on National Holiday Thematic Celebrations has announced.
Committee chairperson Dennis Itumbi disclosed this following a meeting with officials planning the activities in the lead-up to the event to be held in Kwale.
The choice of the theme, he explained, is to highlight the success of the Affordable Housing program.
The initiative which is part of the Kenya Kwanza agenda has not only contributed to economic growth but also provided many Kenyans with stable housing, said Itumbi.
He stated that it has "created jobs, boosted the Jua Kali sector, and led to many homes being built across the country".
President William Ruto is determined to have 250, 000 housing units put up every year to ensure low and middle-income earners get decent housing.
Several projects are currently under construction in various parts of the country.
The government's initial plan was to build 500,000 housing units in five years in cities and metropolitan areas around the country.
A mandatory levy has been imposed on all salaried workers towards the success of this ambitious project.
In Nairobi, the projects are in Pangani, Kibera, South B, Ngara, Shauri Moyo and Mariguini.
To buy a unit, one registers on the Boma Yangu platform by opening an account that enables them to contribute to the housing fund and select their home preference.
Mashujaa Day previously referred to as Kenyatta Day is held October 20 every year to celebrate national heroes and their contributions.
The decision to host the celebrations on a rotation basis was introduced by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.
Out of the three national events-Madaraka Day celebrated (June 1), Mashujaa Day (October 20) and Jamhuri Day (December 12), two are held outside Nairobi.
The decision, according to Uhuru, is aimed at boosting national cohesion and integration.
President William Ruto has announced that Homa Bay will host next year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The previous celebration was held in Kericho and themed Universal Health Care (UHC).