Nation's colourful birthday

Twitter. YouTube. MySpace. Facebook. SMS. These are media platforms that were unheard of when the Nation was born 50 years ago.

Yet they formed part of President Kibaki’s speech when he officially opened the Pan Africa Media Conference.

It is no wonder that many among the 1,000-plus delegates burst out in laughter when the President suggested he could soon be twitting his functions and updating his speech on Facebook to identify with the young population.

“Even those of us born before the computer age appreciate the contribution of these new avenues of communication,” he said with a special mention of SMS, blogs and social networking sites like Facebook.

Fight vices

Mr Kibaki also proposed the use of new media to fight vices like corruption and nepotism as well as addressing environmental challenges.
The conference is one of the key activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Nation Media Group.

Delegates started streaming into the KICC plenary hall as early as 7am. Local and international journalists as well as communication students at local universities and their lecturers were present.

With two presidents, two former presidents and a host of other dignitaries in attendance, security was understandably tight. Presidential Escort guards frisked delegates and journalists thoroughly.

Those in the packed hall included President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, ex-presidents Joachim Chissano of Mozambique and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Information and Communications minister Samuel Poghisio.

An exhibition of Nation Media Group’s classic photos showcasing the journey across the five decades was in the hallway leading to the plenary hall. Some of the most notable photographs include one of the President holding the World Cup aloft when it came to Nairobi late last year.

Another epic photo was of the signing of the National Accord by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga brokered by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan after the 2007 post-election violence.

Samuel Wanjiru’s historic marathon win at the 2008 Olympics was also celebrated at the exhibition, a symbol of Kenya’s prowess in long distance races. The President said the media had, in the last decade, witnessed huge growth.

A touch of African culture was evident as Bomas of Kenya dance troupe entertained delegates with a traditional Kuria dance. Kipawa Kimoja, an upcoming acapella group thrilled the audience with their mellowing and synchronised voices.