NAIROBI
When Kenya claimed independence from Britain on December 12, 1963, Kenyans likely never imagined how far the agrarian state would grow in the future. Millions of Kenyans will be celebrating the nation’s birthday after 50 years from Thursday until Sunday.
The government has lined up a series of celebrations for Kenya’s 50th anniversary, dubbed Kenya @50.
President Uhuru Kenyatta will hoist the national flag at historic Uhuru Garden Park in Nairobi at midnight Thursday to launch the Kenyan Golden Jubilee fete.
President Kenyatta said in a statement, “As the Kenyan nation marks its 50th anniversary, a milestone event for any country, it is a humbling moment for all of us as we rededicate our efforts, conscious of the progress we have made”
“In 1963, after many years of painful struggle and 70 years of colonial rule, our fore fathers managed to liberate our nation. I salute all these men and women who took it upon themselves to liberate our country and who laid the foundation of great nation,” he added.
The Central Bank of Kenya issued commemorative golden coins to mark Kenya @50.
The government has reportedly set aside 500 million Kenyan Shillings and the private sector over 2.5 billion Shillings for Kenya @50 celebrations.
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