Kenya Gears Up to Celebrate its 50th Independence Day on 12th December

East Africa’s economic powerhouse with a population of 40-million, Kenya will celebrate its 50th independence day on 12th December.

Tradition

Traditionally the President gives a speech at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, accompanied by government officials and military forces. Sometimes this event gives reason to protesters to hold rallies against their Government. Independence Day is also marked by cultural festivities celebrating Kenya’s unique cultural identity. The country’s colorful flag is hung in buildings and private houses, and all over the capital city of Nairobi.

Kenyans dress in traditional and colorful kikoys and kitenges and celebrate their country’s freedom. Natives make typical Kenyan dishes such as Ugali, porridge made of maize, or Irio, mashed vegetables rolled into balls and dipped into meat stews. The communities all over the world usually gather during this day and celebrate their African heritage.

As the country readies for jubilee celebrations this week for 50 years of independence from former colonial masters Britain, the killings are a stark reminder of the challenges that remain to reconcile deep ethnic and political divisions. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta already declared about the 50th independence anniversary of their country. This year’s celebration comes at a time when the country has had a difficult year with a myriad of challenges ranging from terror attacks, ICC trials of the President and his deputy among others. It has been one of the most stable countries in the region, because of the unique role played by aid agencies and the UN.

History

Shortly before Kenya became independent on 12th December, 1963 the ‘Kenya African National Union’ (KANU) of Jomo Kenyatta, a member of the large ‘Kikuyu’ tribe and former prisoner under the emergency formed the government. On the establishment of a republic Kenyatta became Kenya’s first president a year later. A minority coalition party, the ‘Kenya African Democratic Union’ (KADU) joined KANU in 1964. After Kenyatta’s death on 22nd August, 1978 Vice President Daniel arap Moi became interim President before becoming the sworn President on 14th October.