Tree planting among myriad of activities lined up for Jubilee celebrations

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU and CYRUS OMBATI

NAIROBI, KENYA: The Kenya @50 steering committee has launched a National Tree Campaign which aims at achieving 50 million trees grown as the country marks the first jubilee celebrations.

Sports, Culture and Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario says the tree campaign is one of the many activities that they are lining up to mark this key milestone in the country’s history.

“Planting trees befits the occasion as it will ensure that the celebrations are not a one off event but it leaves a legacy,” Wario said.

The Cabinet Secretary was speaking Wednesday during a breakfast media briefing at the Serena hotel on the jubilee celebrations that the government has already allocated 500 million shillings.

The Kenya @50 has also proposed a construction of a new paediatric wing at the Kenyatta National Hospital and rehabilitation of Mathari mental hospital, from funds that will be raised through contributions from well-wishers.

The secretariat also wants to put up a national monument at the famous Uhuru gardens on Langata road that will be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“There will be laying of a foundation stone of Kenya @50 monument; a practical self-sustaining structure developed though public participation to serve generations to come,” he said.

A national flag, will also be hoisted on the eve of this year’s Jamhuri Day Celebrations, reminiscent of the night of 11th December 1963 when the Union Jack was brought down and the Kenyan flag of black, white, red and green was raised high to mark the beginning of independence.

The secretariat is also working with County Governments to launch a nationwide sports bonanza, whose climax will be 1st June 2014.

Wario said there will be heavy branding and advertising with big bill boards along Mombasa and Langata roads that lead from JKIA and Wilson airports respectively to the city centre.

“We want all visitors coming to Kenya through JKIA and Wilson airports to be welcomed with posters that depict our celebrations,” he added.

Kenya @50 has also proposed a national lottery and a scholarship initiative that shall identify the most need but talented children from across all the 47 counties.

A media awareness campaign will also be included even as the secretariat seeks partnership with the private sector to raise extra funds and material support for the programmes.

The team is working with Kenyans in the Diaspora and will use international events such as sports to publicize by heavy branding of the theme Kenya @50.

“There will be Diaspora activities across strategically selected countries to focus on strengthening our economic pillars and enhance our presence globally.”