NAIROBI Kenya, Oct 9 – To mark the country’s 50 years of independence, the government intends to establish a monument of Kenya@50 at the Uhuru Gardens.
The government will also initiate a national tree planting campaign with the aim of achieving 50 million trees grown during the year of golden jubilee celebrations.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Arts Hassan Wario says all activities set are along the line of uniting Kenyans and promoting the country.
“The celebrations will allow Kenyans look where we have come from, the country’s history in struggle of independence and also gauge our achievements,” he said.
“We must thank God for reaching this far as we mark the birthday of this nation; so many countries are in turmoil… we are in peace.”
Wario who is also the chairman of the National Steering Committee Kenya@50 announced the celebrations will continue until June 2014.
He said measures have been put in place to ensure security throughout the period.
Other highlighted projects are rehabilitation of Mathare Mental Hospital and a heavy branding of all major international events where Kenya is participating.
Also in the programme will be a scholarship initiative that shall identify and support the most needy but talented children from across all regions and a national sports festival to that will cover all counties and culminating in a sports extravaganza in June 2014.
Wario added that there will be Diaspora activities across strategically selected cities to focus on strengthening, “our economic pillars and enhance our brand presence globally.”
He asked the private sector to partner with the government saying, “it is time to join hands and ensure prosperity for all Kenyans for the next 50 years and beyond.”
Earlier on, an exorbitant budget that had been set up to finance Kenya’s 50th birthday was slashed from Sh2.5 billion to Sh500 million and a new 19-member committee set up to work on the commemoration.
The committee has both government and private sector nominees who will oversee the celebrations.
Among those from government include Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Commerce Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, a nominee from the Interior and Coordination of National Government ministry and a nominee from the National Treasury.
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