By Samuel Owino.
Kenyans gathered at Uhuru gardens, Nairobi on Tuesday 12 December to celebrate Jamhuri Day that marks 60 years of Kenya’s independence.
The Jamhuri day celebrations, themed, Youth, Creative and Sports, was presided over by President William Ruto. This is the second Jamhuri day celebration that he has presided over since he assumed office in 2022.
In attendance was the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua with his spouse pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Prime cabinet secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, the governor of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja, and others.
Foreign dignitaries such as the president of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, Zanzibar’s president, Hussein Mwinyi, Burundi’s president, Prosper Bazombanza also graced the occasion.
Other notable figures include, Zanzibar’s First Lady Mariam Mwinyi, and Uganda’s Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga.
Speaking to a crowd of approximately 30 000 Kenyans, who have much complained about the harsh economic times, President William Ruto confirmed that the economy is stable, debt-free and inflation rates have dropped.
“Proudly, these sacrifices have paid off: I can now confirm that Kenya is safely out of the danger of debt distress and that our economy is on a stable footing.
The economic indicators point to good news. Inflation is now at 6.8%, down from a high of 9.2% last year.
In the last 6 months, our GDP has grown at 5.4%, making Kenya the 29th fastestgrowing economy in the world, according to the World Bank.”
The president also stated that come January 2024, tourists wishing to visit Kenya will not be required to apply for a visa to get in the country.
“Kenya is the home of humanity, a scientific fact that fills us with pride and underscores our rich heritage. It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country.
It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: “Tobong’u Lorre!” Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!”
During the event, hundreds of Kenyans were awarded state honours for contributions to the nations in various capacities by president Ruto. Hon Wandayi James Opiyo, a graduate of Daystar University, was among those awarded with an Elder of the Order of Golden Heart. (EGH)
In Athi River today, Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) in conjunction with Shine FM, led a group of students and staff in a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) event visit to the pillars of hope children’s home in an effort to give back to the community.
This event is the last event for the September trimester as students and staff finish up on examinations and prepare for the festivities.