Sister Stefani 'brings goodies' to Nyeri residents

The planned beatification of Sister Irene Nyaatha Stefani has come as a blessing for Nyeri county residents. The area has lately been a beehive of activities as technical teams rush to fix roads and other infrastructure ahead of the ceremony.

Already, Kenya Power engineers are working round the clock to install street lights along the Nyeri-Nyahururu road. They have also installed lights in Nyeri town and the roads leading to Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), where the main beatification service will be held.

The street lights are also being put up along the Nyeri-Nanyuki road, Nyeri-Karatina road and all routes leading to Nyeri town.

At the same time, the power workers have been deployed to Mukurweini and Gikondi areas where a night vigil will be held on May 22 to carry out similar refurbishments.

Nyeri County Commissioner Michael ole Tialal said the teams are expected to complete the work before the beatification on May 23, 2015, when the beatification will take place.

"We have formed a joint committee ahead of the State event, and the team is charged with ensuring everything is in place," said Mr Tialal.

The joint committee is comprised of the Nyeri County's security team, the Catholic Church, and the national and county governments.

"We want to assure Kenyans that there will be adequate security in the entire county before, during and after the event that is expected to attract more than 300,000 visitors from around the globe and we will decide on the number on police officers needed next week," said Tialal.

He also confirmed all road repairs will be completed by next week. President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to attend the event, alongside other dignitaries.

Contractors have also been tarmacking roads leading to Mathari Mission Complex where the remains of the late nun are preserved, while Mathari Central Chapel is being repainted.

Many pilgrims

Father Peter Githinji, the pontifical appointee coordinating the beatification, said the paints were donated by an American Couple, William and Robin Kaleta, who arrived in Kenya two weeks ago for the beatification.

According Sister Ann Mbithe, the Church has been receiving at least 300 pilgrims every day.

"There has been an influx of visitors for the last few weeks, and priests are forced to conduct up to four services each day," said Wambui.

Tialal led a high-powered team comprising State House officials and officers from the national and county governments in inspecting the preparations.

The team met at the proposed Nyeri Catholic University grounds, before they proceeded to DeKUT, where a dais is under construction.

The Standard also established Safaricom has already installed a booster at DeKUT grounds.