Kenyans were left elated when the flag was displayed on the Burj Khalifa during Jamhuri Day.
Netizens were left impressed and at the same time shocked after a first-time display of the flag on Dubai’s skyscraper.
The gesture, however, drew questions on how much the advert cost after details emerged that the price was approximately Ksh 7 million.
A spot check revealed that it normally costs AED 250,000 (Ksh 6.9 million) for a three-minute display.
It is insinuated the price range fluctuates between 8 and 10 pm on weekdays.
Further details revealed that for AED 1 million (Ksh 27.6 billion) is the price for five three-minute impressions of the magnificent structure between 7 pm and midnight.
Rumours doing rounds on social media claimed that the government had paid the amount to have the flag showcased during the day of the national celebrations.
Speaking to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the person in charge of communications noted that the institution was not aware of the gesture.
According to the government official who sorted anonymity, such a commercial deal is handled by the country’s representatives in the Arab country.
In addition, he commented that the ministry learnt of the animation from social media.
Brand Kenya, which is a government agency, when questioned by a netizen, cheekily responded to the matter leaving the Twitter user in a limbo.
The netizen identified as Antony Alexandria Irungu questioned, “Was it free or who paid for the cost because research is showing that it costs Ksh.6.8 million (Dhs 250,000) for a single three-minute display? Thank you.”
The government agency replied, “Well that’s the power of a good brand and Kenya is indeed a good brand. Chema chajiuza… Thank you.”
Upon insisting that the question was not answered, Standard Group journalist Ciku Muiruri stepped in and saved the day.
Well that’s the power of a good brand and Kenya is indeed a good brand.
Chema chajiuza…
Thank you 😎.
— Make It Kenya (@MakeItKenya) December 12, 2019
Asked and answered. Burj Khalifa showcases flags of friendly countries on important occasions. India caught feelings when it didn't happen this year on their independence day. But here, we catch feelings when it does🤦♀️🤷♀️
Happy b'day Kenya! 😀Thanks @BurjKhalifa & @BrandKenya 💕💕— Ciku Muiruri (@MissCiku) December 12, 2019
Thank you. A simple question @BrandKenya was hesitant to answer right away.
— Antony Alexanderia Irungu 🇰🇪 (@TonyAlexIrungu) December 12, 2019
World paradise also united with kenyans to mark the Jamhuri day.
Beautiful starry nights #BurjKhalifa. pic.twitter.com/IQg4y8QBxG
— Te×usaronio🇰🇪 (@_aronkirui) December 12, 2019
A further analysis online indicated that such adverts for countries are free.
It was articulated that the gesture is done for countries that have good relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Aside from Kenya, other countries that have had their flags on the building include Canada, Philippines and Pakistan.
This is why abit of research is important and the need to be humble is necessary…"Burj Khalifa" Management does this for all countries during their independence day..hii upuzi ya sijui ililipiwa 7M, wapi receipt? Senji, We are not that Special as Kenya pic.twitter.com/WqobfQokqH
— Njiule Mitch (@mitch_njiule) December 13, 2019
Here are some of the reactions following the moment termed special by Kenyans:
The Kenyan flag displayed today on the tallest tower in the World #BurjKhalifa On their occasion of Independence day. Respect Dubai. pic.twitter.com/4ies8nXZ2C
— Abubakar Hussein (@awesomehabibi) December 12, 2019
I am gonna tell my kids this was Kenya before corruption destroyed everything.
Burj Khalifa #BurjKhalifa #JamhuriDay2019 pic.twitter.com/gCeXFLnQXr
— SAUTI YA ISIOLO (@IsioloOnline) December 12, 2019
What you When it
order online vs. arrives#JamuhuriDay #BurjKhalifa pic.twitter.com/SjuJelBDKE— 🐐 🇰🇪 (@amsikika) December 12, 2019
Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai celebrating Jamhuri more than The government of Kenya has. pic.twitter.com/QUgqjGL39J
— DENIS AUNGA💙. (@denis_aunga) December 12, 2019
Ati how much did it cost to to light up #BurjKhalifa for just 3 minutes.. Kenyans your got jokes who came up with this idea n who approved it in the first place #JamhuriDay2019 pic.twitter.com/NaFd7r8D1o
— Esther (@Esthermbae1) December 12, 2019
While Burj khalifa is lighting up the night sky with kenyas flag, KICC kazi ni kuzubaa na samsung logo tu! 🤦🏼♂️
📷 : Courtesy pic.twitter.com/VzB50KOwXx— PiNgPoNg🇰🇪 (@pinngponng) December 12, 2019
How Kenyans are after flag display on Burj Khalifa pic.twitter.com/LxSqdFcUwV
— OMGSasa Kenya (@OmgsasaKenya) December 13, 2019
The presentation of the adverts is highlighted to go through a process before being made public.
The content has to be submitted four weeks prior to the live showcasing in order to be given the go-ahead by the Burj Khalifa’s owner, Emaar Properties.
Details pointed out that the displays are handled by a Dubai-based firm known as Mullen Lowe Mena.