Jamhuri Day Celebrations

Jamhuri day celebrations are here with us again as Kenyans who are very eager to celebrate forty six years of internal self rule. Some people see the holiday as a relief from the hectic work schedules with others sighing that the week is less a day since the Kenya holiday happens to be on Sunday and will eventually spill over to Monday. While other people see it as another day to run up- country to visit the extended family back home. Whatever your plans, many do not consider it a day for practicing their patriotic duties that include nation building activities and events. The most one may do as a patriotic activity will be to attend the half day celebrations at Uhuru park of Nyayo stadium as they listen to dignitaries and honorable men and women recounting speeches on National unity and cohesion.
As a tourists or even Kenyan you are not aware what is all this hullaballoo regarding this revered Jamhuri day. Many Kenyans do consider it an important day in the calendar. Here are a few facts on the day: This celebrated day is associated with Dedan Kimathi one of the most heroic Mau Mau fighters during the colonial period. However he passed on earlier and was unable to see that fruitful day for the country as it was on of his greatest ambitions.
Kenya’s first Jamhuri day celebrations were in the year 1963 when the colonial government released itself totally form the country and Kenya acquired its new status of becoming a republic. The Union Jack (British flag) was lowered as the Kenyan flag was let to fly up in the sky. It is similar to the heroes day that is marked in the United States of America where the likes of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks are celebrated.
The Late Jomo Kenyatta was at last recognized as the country’s president to the New Republic of Kenya. There was ululation and jubilations from the people of Kenya who were more than elated to the fact that they were now free. All sorts of fireworks lit up in the air. A new government was then formed consisting of Kenyan ministers, parliamentarians and permanent secretaries form across the country representing the diverse ethnic groups in the country. This day later led to creation of new boundaries in the country to represent the different regions in the region. Many of these boundaries are still in use up until today.
For many of the celebrations over the years, the re- current theme has been on national peace and cohesion and to continue reminding the people on the importance of peace in a diverse nation such as Kenya. They say music is the universal language for people thus many songs and dances are organized to entertain people throughout the day. Important local artists like Suzanne Owiyo, Eric Wainaina and Rufftone sing their songs in praise of peace and of the country.
Other Kenyans prefer having a quiet afternoon with the family or visiting national parks which are opened for them. These national parks are avenues for people to remember the natural beauty that the country is blessed with. How do you enjoy your Jamhuri day? Share with us so that we too may get a few ideas of enjoying the day.

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