Plans For Jamhuri Day Celebrations Announced

President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the nation on November 4, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the nation.
PSCU

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho on Thursday, December 3 revealed government plans for the coming Jamhuri Day Celebrations.

Kibicho announced that the celebrations are set to be held at the newly refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi County

The government is set to restrict the number of attendees to the event in line with the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols.

The terraces and field at Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya
The terraces and field at Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya
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"This is an easier one for us because Nyayo Stadium is complete, the physical preparations of the infrastructure are minimal and therefore we are paying more attention to the softer side of the celebrations.

"As we are aware, we are in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and therefore we will have a slightly different way of celebrating, it will be a hybrid between a virtual and physical celebration," he explained.

The celebrations will be streamed through all major media houses and social media platforms and will culminate in a live address by President Uhuru Kenyatta from Nyayo Stadium. 

The 30,000 seater stadium is set to only host 5,000 people to promote the 1.5-meter social distancing rules in a bid to curb the possible spread of Covid-19.

Special invitation cards are set to be printed by the government which will be issued to attendees and will be displayed at the entrance.

This will be third national holiday held since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March after the Madaraka and Mashujaa Day celebrations were celebrated.

Jamhuri day is meant to officially mark the date when the country became a republic on 12 December 1964 after gaining full self-governance.

There is debate surrounding the attendance of Deputy President William Ruto who has snubbed three previous events presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

DP William Ruto address at Gusii Stadium, Kisii County on October 20, 2020.
DP William Ruto address at Gusii Stadium, Kisii County on October 20, 2020.
PSCU