NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 10 – The Postal Corporation of Kenya (PCK) has launched commemorative stamps to mark Kenya@50 celebrations.
The 100 stamps capture different milestones in Kenya’s journey and highlight events in the country’s history as well as its heroes, eminent personalities who have shaped its politics, arts, culture and social life.
Speaking at the launch, Postmaster General Enock Kinara says the commemorative stamps aim at showcasing strides the country has made in various spheres that include the social, economic, political and cultural.
“There is a story behind every postage stamp. Each of the iconic images on all those little bits of paper captures a unique angle of the Kenyan history; they play a significant role in honouring national heroes and showcasing important features of our culture and history,” he said.
He says that stamps are a means of expressing culture and history; pointing out that it’s a national ambassador for the country’s attractions and an education tool for its citizens.
Kinara says the stamps that range from Sh30 shillings to Sh180 are now available in post offices countrywide for use in postage and collection by lovers of philately.
In the past, PCK has partnered with other institutions and the government to launch commemorative stamps.
In September 2011, PCK partnered with the government to issue a special stamp to commemorate the first anniversary of the promulgation of the New Constitution of Kenya.
PCK also issued a commemorative stamp in honor of Nobel Laureate and acclaimed environmentalist Wangari Maathai.
“Creating a culture of collecting stamps is basically keeping history and history has value, and value of stamp keep growing we want to make it a culture to auction stamps in Kenya,” he said.
He said a Kenyan stamp is one of the most expensive in the world, worth about Sh6.8 million.
