Mashujaa Day 2026: What's Happening Back Home This Week

Happy Mashujaa Day, family! Today Kenya honours the heroes who fought for our freedom. This year marks the 63rd celebration, and the main national event is at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. Wherever you are in Northwestern Ontario, you may be calling home or watching a stream tonight. To help you follow along, here’s a quick look at the stories people back home are talking about.

New cost-of-living proposals

Around the holiday, President Ruto announced a set of proposed measures to ease the cost of living. They include waiving land tax on property deals under KSh 1 million, removing import duty on mobile phones, raising the prices paid to dairy farmers, and adding about 50,000 internship places for young people (Kenya News Agency).

If you’re buying land back home or sending a phone to a relative, these changes could matter to you. Keep in mind that they are still proposals. Wait for the final official details before you plan around them.

Health: Ebola and the doctors’ strike

Kenya has reported a small number of confirmed Ebola cases as the outbreak spreads in the region (The Standard). A health workers’ strike is also still unresolved (The Online Kenyan). If you’re planning a trip home for the holidays, check the Government of Canada’s travel advice for Kenya (travel.gc.ca) and talk to your doctor before you go.

Weather: El Niño rains expected

Forecasters expect El Niño rains to hit 44 counties, and authorities have started preparing (The Online Kenyan). Families in flood-prone areas may need extra help in the coming weeks, so this is a good time to check in with them.

Politics: 2027 is getting closer

The parties are already positioning for the 2027 election. The opposition is holding strategy meetings, alliances are shifting, and more parties are being cleared to run (Daily Nation). We’ll keep following it, and we’ll share what diaspora voters need to know as dates are confirmed.

Quick takeaways

• Today is the 63rd Mashujaa Day, with the national celebration in Eldoret.
• The proposed tax relief on small land deals and phone imports is not law yet.
• If you’re travelling home, check the health and travel advisories first.
• El Niño rains are expected in 44 counties, so check on family in flood-prone areas.

Is your family or community group in Thunder Bay celebrating Mashujaa Day? Send us your photos and stories and we’ll share them here.