Uhuru launches Kenya@50 fete

In Summary

The President, who presided over the Mashujaa Day celebrations, launched the Kenya@50 Celebration Calendar — kicking off year-long activities to mark the country’s 50 years of self rule.

By LUCAS BARASA

Kenya has started celebrations to mark 50 years since independence, with President Kenyatta paying glowing tribute to the country’s heroes and heroines.

The President, who presided over the Mashujaa Day celebrations, launched the Kenya@50 Celebration Calendar — kicking off year-long activities to mark the country’s 50 years of self rule.

The Kenya@50 logo— a lion motif, golden jubilee and Kenyan flag colours— was also unveiled during the celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

“This year, we mark the Golden Jubilee of our Republic. We intend to commemorate 50 years of independence by celebrating our triumphs and reflecting upon our future progress,” President Kenyatta said.

He said starting yesterday, there would be various activities by people from various sectors of “our public life and all parts of the country to mark Kenya@50.”

Sports, Cultures and Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario said the Kenya@50 flag logo signified Kenyans independence, the lion implies the country is still roaring while the golden jubilee shows “we are proud to be Kenyans.”

Under the banner “We are one,” Mr Wario said the Golden Jubilee celebrations would be used to remember those who fought for independence, reflect on the present and the future, and help Kenyans unite and work together.

Mr Wario called for the passage of the Heroes Bill to remember all Kenyans who have sacrificed to make the country better.

Various heroes and heroines were later feted by President Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi.

The government has allocated Sh500 million seed money for the Kenya@50 celebrations and the private sector is also expected to contribute to the kitty.

Several programmes are to be rolled out culminating into a grand celebration during Jamhuri Day.Fifty million trees are expected to be planted in a national tree planting campaign.

The unveiling of the 50 years Logo during the Mashujaa Day Celebration 2013 and launch of Kenya at 50 Celebration Calendar at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 20, 2013. PHOTO/SALATON NJAU