President Kenyatta is driven through the Kenya at 50 celebration grounds
As Kenya celebrates 50 years of Independence, President Uhuru Kenyatta has appealed to all Kenyans to unite and cultivate bonds that will see the country rapidly achieve its development goals.
Speaking at the Jamhuri (Independence) celebrations held at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani in Nairobi, he urged Kenyans to embrace the unity exhibited by freedom fighters and – regardless of race, tribe, religion or class – join hands to build a prosperous nation, devoid of ethnic or parochial divisions.
He said that a united Kenya has tremendous potential for growth and development, saying Kenya is not just a collection of 42 tribes who have to live together but one nation assembled by divine providence and held together for the last 50 years by its common will and belief in a collective brighter future.
“We must remain, united as Kenyans, and, I underscore, it is not a matter of choice,” he said.
He noted that together with Kenya’s founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Algeria’s founding President, Ahmed Ben Bella and the legendary Nelson Mandela were visionaries who saw a united Africa as the foundation of a truly prosperous continent.
“We are proud of these great sons of Africa, and acknowledge their sacrificial role, which continues to shape our continent.” President Kenyatta said.
On integration, President Kenyatta said Kenya’s national interest is anchored on regional and continental integration.
In order to enhance the integration momentum, President Kenyatta announced that Kenya will contribute to a brigade to be part of the Rapid Response mechanism as part of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture agreed during the last Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.
He said Kenya will also champion the free movement of persons on the continent.
“Today, we announce that any African passport will obtain a visa on arrival in Kenya based on a principle of reciprocity. Under these arrangements, any African visitor may stay for up to 6 months. The only exception to this rule will be when regional security could be compromised,” he said.
The President said Kenya is ready to partner with countries in the southern, central, western and northern regions, to fast-track the implementation of the recently adopted Continental Free Trade Area.
Earlier on, it was pomp and colour as fireworks rocked the air at midnight when the flag was hoisted to mark the 50th birthday of the country’s independence. Kenyatta planed a commemorative tree to mark the occasion.
The President, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, his wife Rachel and a host of dignitaries were united in ushering in the golden jubilee of independence.
Over 20 Heads of State and Government joined Kenya in the celebrations which also saw leaders from across the political divide in the country come together, as a sign of unity, to reflect on the successes and challenges of the last 50 years as Kenyans.
The golden jubilee commemorated in Kenya's 47 counties, was marked by a 21-gun salute.
Six Heads of State and Government, who spoke on behalf of all visiting delegations from across the world, expressed solidarity with Kenya and its leadership as the country marked the 50th birthday.
Visiting Presidents who spoke were Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Joyce Banda of Malawi, Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, Ali Bongo of Gabon and Ethiopian Premier Hailemariam Desalegn.
Other Leaders who attended the celebrations were Joseph Kabila of Congo, Seretse Khama of Botswana, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, Ikililou Dhoinine of Comoros, Mohamed Abdulaziz of Saharawi Arab Republic and Salva Kirr of South Sudan.
President Kikwete assured that Tanzania will continue to strengthen the existing cordial relations with Kenya and the East African Community for the benefit of people in the region.
President Jonathan of Nigeria urged Kenyans to remain united in order to build an all-inclusive society ready to shape the country’s destiny as one people.
Also in attendance were former President Mwai Kibaki, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
Deputy President affirmed the Government’s commitment to work with all Kenyans including the media to create a nation at peace with itself.
“I thank God for taking the country this far. As we celebrate the golden jubilee of independence, let us also honour the freedom fighters and our fore fathers who laid firm foundations of a united Kenya,” Mr Ruto said.