By Standard Reporter
Two people are reported wounded in a blast during Jamhuri day celebration in Wajir Stadium, North Eastern province.
According to witnesses on the ground, Government vehicles were leaving the venue when a device
Kenya celebrates its 48th birthday, two years short of the golden jubilee, but facing serious challenges [Photo: File/Standard] |
The vehicles were in the stadium as part of a parade in the celebrations.
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In the recent past there has been a string of attacks in Kenya especially aimed at the security personnel since Kenya sent troops to Somalia to fight Al Shabaab militia.
In Nairobi, President Mwai Kibaki urged striking doctors to resume work and directed Public Service minister and all those involved to conclude the negotiations.
"I am concerned that doctors have been on strike over the last one week. We need doctors in the hospitals to attend to the many Kenyans
needing medical attention on daily basis," Kibaki said.
Doctors are demanding for a 300 per cent salary increase, upgrade of hospital facilities and improve working conditions.
On the economic challenges facing Kenya, Kibaki said the current rains should help boost food output and reserves in the medium term.
Speaking during the 48th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium on Monday the Head of State said steps taken by the Government, the Kenyan shilling has appreciated in value over the last few weeks.
"I’m optimistic that a stronger shilling, increased food production and the expected reduction in fuel and electricity prices, will lower our overall inflation rate and reduce the cost of living," he said.
Kenya’s year-on-year inflation rate rose for the 13th month in a row in November to hit 19.72 percent, driven by higher food and energy costs.
On the Somalia incursion, Kibaki said the Kenyan Defence Forces would work closely with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, IGAD, the African Union and the UN, in order to find a long-term solution and ensure the stability of Somalia.
"We are marking this year’s Jamhuri Day, faced with security threats emanating from insurgents operating from Somalia. The insurgents have not only posed a major threat to our peace and security but have also
negatively affected our economy," he said.
"For twenty years the people of Somalia have been subjected to a senseless civil war. A generation of children has never seen the inside of a classroom, while another generation has been born and raised inside refugee camps."
He said Kenya stands ready to walk this journey with the people and Government of Somalia that will see the dawn of a bright day of hope for them.
