Kenya's Mashujaa Day on 20 October: Eldoret programme to feature gospel and a Gen Z show

The Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC) has lined up a Gen Z production, gospel performances, a showcase of hit songs and ceremonial and cultural items for Kenya's national Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret on 20 October, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported on 15 October.

Performers were picked at auditions the PPMC held across the three host counties, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet. The acts selected cover different musical styles and generations. School groups from the three counties will perform music, dance and other cultural items.

The PPMC's work so far has covered talent identification, production planning, rehearsals and coordination between the segments of the programme.

"Mashujaa Day provides an important platform for us to showcase Kenya's musical talent and cultural diversity," Dr Donald Otoyo, director of the PPMC, said, as quoted by KBC.

The main ceremony is at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. It is the first time the celebrations have been spread over three counties, and this year's theme is "Security, Sports and the Finance Sector (The Economy)", Citizen Digital reported on 25 September.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium seats 15,043. Works on the stadium are being carried out by the Ministry of Sports, with support and supervision from the Ministry of Defence, and the government put them at 68 per cent complete, the same report said.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale told a press briefing on 9 October that the stadium was approaching 75 per cent completion, according to the Kenya News Agency. Arrangements are being made for about 15,000 people inside the stadium, with large screens at designated areas for those outside, he said. People travelling from distant areas will be taken to the venue, he said, and he urged the public to avoid overcrowding and pushing and to follow instructions from security agencies, the National Youth Service, chiefs and other security officers.

Events run from 13 to 18 October in the host counties, Citizen Digital reported. The Kenya News Agency, citing Nyale, listed a marathon in Elgeyo Marakwet, volleyball in Nandi and football in Uasin Gishu. The counties will also hold exhibitions on security, sports and finance.