Nairobi County Regional Commissioner Mr. James Kianda has said that this year’s Jamhuri Celebrations will be held in strict adherence to the COVID 19 guidelines.
Kianda stated that the event will be on an invitation basis with the attendance scaled down to only 5,000 people invited to physically participate in the celebrations at Nyayo Stadium tomorrow.
The Regional Commissioner further observed that this has been done with the consultation of the Ministry of Health to ensure that there is enough social distancing at the venue, s9o as to avoid COVID 19 spread.
Speaking today during a media briefing on the County’s state of preparedness ahead of the celebrations that will be grace by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kianda explained that the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology has put in place mechanisms that will ensure the functions is live and beaming for those not invited to 3watch on their screens.
“Ministry of ICT will link the rest of the Kenyans to the ongoings so that we all participate in this auspicious occasion for Kenyans as it reminds us of the selfless struggle and hard-earned freedom by our forefathers from the colonial Masters,” he said.
He confirmed that all preparations are complete and that he expects that the celebration will help expose the city to the national and international investors interested in exploring limitless investment opportunities, in turn building the 4,397,073 residents it hosts.
He appealed to all Kenyans to exercise great caution especially in this festive month and ensure that public transport follows the laid WHO Guidelines even as they travel to different parts of the Country to celebrate Christmas with their loved one.
“We have also put in place a multisectoral team that will ensure that as you move in and out of Nairobi, you are guaranteed by law enforcers who will ensure public transport stick to the guidelines,” he assured.
On Nairobi County development front, Kianda further explained that the national government through the Regional Development Implementation Coordination Committee has overseen the completion of the interchange at the Thika and Outering junction at the Allsopps area.
“The Interchange has helped ease traffic flow in the area. Other roads include Ngong road, Upper Hill-Mbagathi Link road, Ngong-Kibra-Langata road and Southern bypass link road 95 per cent complete,” he noted.
He further explained that the emergency upgrading of roads, water, sewage systems and street lightning in the informal settlements in various sub counties is ongoing.
This year’s 57th Jamhuri Day comes against a backdrop of a pandemic that has ravaged not only global economies but which has also disrupted every social sphere.
Kenya became a Republic on the 12th of December 1963 where supreme power was transferred to Kenyan people and their elected leaders further allowing establishment of our own systems of governance.