Raila hands space tourist Kenyan flag

BY Ally Jamah and Njoki Chege

Tycoon Ashish Thakkar will blast off to the outer space later this month with a Kenyan flag.

And millions of people will be watching worldwide as he makes history as the first East African to be on the outer space.

Thakkar, 28, will take the country’s main symbol higher than Kisoi Munyao, who made history when he hoisted it on top of Mt Kenya in 1963 on independence.

Yesterday, the billionaire businessman met Prime Minister Raila Odinga and received the Kenyan flag. He had also picked up flags from Tanzania and Uganda from their respective Presidents.

"This is an act of great courage and vision which can teach our youth to expand their mental horizons and work hard to achieve their dreams," Raila said.

Rare chance

Thakkar sees his epic journey not only as a personal dream come true, but also a rare opportunity to promote Kenya internationally as well as attract tourists and investors.

"This is a proud moment for me to take the Kenyan flag to space. This will assist Kenya promote itself in a positive way," he said.

The spaceship is being tested in the US and once that is complete, the historic journey for Ashish (and Kenya) begins.

Like the 100 space travelers he will pay Sh16 million for the trip. They will use the Galactic Space ship.