Nairobi Regional Commissioner (RC), Gilbert Kitiyo, has assured Kenyans attending the Jamhuri Day celebrations tomorrow, Friday, 12th December, at Nyayo National Stadium that all security measures have been put in place around the venue and the entire city.
Kitiyo said uniformed and non-uniformed officers, including specialized teams, have been deployed at strategic points at the Nyayo Stadium, in the estates, and in the Central Business District from the eve of celebrations until the Friday afternoon.
“The National Government Administrative Officers, police officers, National Youth Service and other agencies will be at hand to guide people on where to sit at the pavilion, the public terraces and other convenient areas.
He called upon members of the public attending the celebrations to ensure that they are seated by 7am.
The RC was speaking today during a Media Breakfast meeting on the eve of Jamhuri Day Celebrations hosted by the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.
He said motorists coming from Langata Road will be diverted at Madaraka Road roundabout to Lusaka Road roundabout, while the Aerodrome-Wakihuri Road will be closed between 7am and 3pm.
“All vehicles on the Expressway road from Westlands will exit at the Bunyala exit beginning at 7.00a.m. and those from Mlolongo will exit at Capital Centre. No vehicles will be allowed on the expressway opposite Nyayo Stadium,” said the RC.
He, however, stated traffic on all other roads will operate normally and urged all motorists to follow the directives from traffic officers.
The RC assured that there will be adequate parking in the stadium for VIPs, adding that parking for other vehicles will be around the stadium and the closed Langata/Mombasa road loop.
Kitiyo, at the same time, announced that the public will be allowed to carry water, refreshments and snacks to the venue, but not alcoholic drinks.
The RC also called upon individuals to take necessary security precautions by avoiding the use of expensive phones and exposing expensive dress accessories like watches, jewelry, and other valuables in crowded areas.
He also urged individuals attending the event to affirm their patriotism by dressing in the national colors.
“Let our dress code be inspired by our national colors,” Kitiyo said.
Kitiyo said the Jamhuri Day celebrations remind Kenyans of the day the country attained its full independence from the British colonial government on 12th December 1964, thereby attaining the status of a republic.
This is a day that the country commemorates and honours the nation’s founding fathers, whose efforts successfully dethroned the colonial government and formed the government of the Republic of Kenya.
“These celebrations reflect on the liberation struggle and the aspirations of our forefathers for a better future, which successive governments have sought to accomplish,” said Kitiyo.
He further observed that the milestones that have been celebrated every year are part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda initiatives focused on strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by creating business opportunities, improving the trading environment and generating direct and indirect employment openings for individuals and the local communities.
Heads of state and governments and diplomats have been invited by the state to attend the event.
The breakfast event was attended by the Director of Administration, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Mr. Stephen Nyakundi and the Secretary for Public Communication, Patricia Ondego, among other senior government officers.
by Bernadette Khaduli
