The 55th Jamhuri Day celebrations is taking place at the newly refurbished 30,000 seater Nyayo stadium, Nairobi Regional Commissioner Kang’ethe Thuku has announced.
The work at the 30,000-seater facility was completed in a fortnight, ahead of the anticipated Jamhuri Day celebrations slated for December 12 at the venue. The contractor downed tools in July this year due to inadequate funds. Nyayo’s unavailability left many sporting activities in disarray as SportPesa Premier League (SPL) matches were crammed at Kenyatta stadium in Machakos and Thika sub county stadium.
"Nyayo Stadium" Is this Kanze Dena? pic.twitter.com/T9cH03hlto
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Swimming, basketball and handball disciplines were also affected by the closure that was initially necessitated by Kenya winning the rights to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan). The complex had to be renovated to international standards. Failure to get this done in ample time saw Kenya stripped of the rights and Morocco hosting the championship.
It is on this day that Kenyans celebrate the day Kenya became a republic on December 12, 1964, and when she gained her independence from Britain a year earlier on December 12, 1963.
The event will be officiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Also in attendance will be “several high profile dignitaries” among them Opposition leader Raila Odinga. This year’s theme, Mr Thuku said is “Twende Mbele Pamoja”.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in military regalia at the 55th Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi. Founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Former President Arap Moi also wore the uniform. I don’t think I saw Mwai Kibaki in one of these. #JamhuriDay #KenyaAt55 pic.twitter.com/4RhMySWpgG
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“The day offers an opportunity to celebrate the foundations of our socio-economic and political development. It is also a day for us to recognize and appreciate the civil liberties we enjoy today and reflect on our aspirations for this great nation,” he said.
55th #JamhuriDay Celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium #JamhuriDay2018 pic.twitter.com/vg9rwlJ6dA
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The highlight of the day, he added, will be the ‘trooping of the colour’ by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). “This year’s Jamhuri day will be special as the 17 battalion, the Kenya rifles, a unit in the Kenya Army will be presented with regimental colours,” he continued.