Corporates pledge Sh2.5 bn for Kenya@50 projects
PHOTO | PSCU | FILE President Uhuru Kenyatta during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2013 during which the Kenya@50 celebrations were launched.
What you need to know:
- The President said Kenya@50 would be accommodating the country’s diversity and the perspectives of expatriates in the country in order to bring on board a variety of ideas
- The President urged Kenya@50 organisers and partners to engage and enable county governments to come up with programmes and events that showcase the nation at their levels
Corporate sponsors on Saturday pledged over Sh2.5 billion towards legacy projects in commemoration of Kenya's 50 year independence celebrations.
The sponsors, which include Safaricom and the National Social Security Fund, made the pledge during the Kenya@50 Private Sector Partnership Presidential dinner at Nairobi National Park.
President Uhuru Kenyatta urged Kenyans to unite in reflection and commemoration, celebration and festivity as the country marks its golden jubilee of independence. “We wish Kenyans to remember how love, unity, loyalty and selflessness overcame the sabotage, saved Kenya and brought her to the cusp of great promise,” he added.
The President said Kenya@50 would be accommodating the country’s diversity and the perspectives of expatriates in the country in order to bring on board a variety of ideas. (READ: President launches Kenya@50 fete)
INVOLVE KENYANS
The President gave assurances that the government will be leading the commemoration of the golden jubilee of independence in the spirit of the current Constitution promulgated in August 2010 which returned the country to its only and true owners, Kenyans.
“There was a time when Kenya was, for all intents and purposes, the property of government, and government was distinct from the citizens. A regrettable civic schism occurred, which swallowed all efforts to build a united, prosperous nation,” he said.
“This is the reason why Kenya@50 must involve every Kenyan wherever they are. I request you to bring on board many ideas from as many Kenyans as possible. In fact, I expect you to also take in the perspectives of expatriates living with us, because our national family is diverse,” he added.
The President urged Kenya@50 organisers and partners to engage and enable county governments to come up with programmes and events that showcase the nation at their levels, adding that unity is meaningful only when the opportunity to contribute is fully respected.
President Kenyatta also said his government appreciates the enthusiasm of the corporate world.
Speaking during the occasion, Deputy President William Ruto said the Kenya@50 celebrations provided a moment for Kenyans to assess the present and plan for the future.
The Deputy President urged Kenyans to come together and participate in the Kenya@50 legacy projects rolled out in various parts of the county. The dinner was also attended by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
