The Ministry of Interior has announced stringent ground rules ahead of the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations scheduled to take place on Friday, December 12, at the Nyayo Stadium.
Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, while giving a briefing on the overall preparedness of the national event, urged Kenyans planning to attend the celebrations to take necessary precautions.
As part of the precautions, Kitiyo warned members of the public against using high-end phones or exposing their expensive wristwatches in populated areas, either in or around the stadium.
"Individuals should take necessary precautions; they should not use their expensive phones or expose their expensive watches and jewellery in the grounded areas," Kitiyo said.
While Kenyans were allowed to carry water, snacks and other food items to the venue, the commissioner warned members of the public against bringing along drinks to the event.
According to Kitiyo, the government is expected to deploy adequate security personnel, including the police officers and the National Youth Service (NYS) officers, to ensure orderliness.
He particularly noted that the NYS will be responsible for guiding people to the convenient sitting areas to avoid confusion and unnecessary gatherings within the stadium.
"Everyone should be seated by 7 am, but the gates will be opened by 5 am. There will be adequate parking for VIPs, while parking for other vehicles will be around the stadium," the police boss reiterated.
Kitiyo further revealed that several high-profile dignitaries would attend the event, including invited Heads of State, with Kenyans urged to exercise discipline.
This comes three days after the Interior Ministry confirmed that Friday's Jamhuri celebrations would be held at the Nyayo Stadium following Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) full-dress rehearsals at the stadium.
The venue marked a shift from the early communication that the annual celebrations would take place at the newly built Talanta Sports Stadium, which is still under construction.
This year's Jamhuri Day theme is focused on tourism and wildlife, highlighting the sector's role in enhancing the country's economy.
