Kenyans spoilt for choice as they usher in New Year

Kenyans ushered in the New Year in style as a celebratory wave swept across the country, from the capital city to the counties.

Thousands attended Churchill's comedy show at Garden City Mall and the Wasafi Festival at Uhuru Gardens, whose main attraction was Tanzanian Bongo star Diamond Platinumz.

In Mombasa County, hundreds of revellers flocked different clubs to mark the end of 2018.

Bongo star Ali Kiba and Kenyan band Sauti Sol performed at the NRG Wave Showdown concert which also featured artistes Fena Gitu and Gilad.

Travellers Beach Hotel sponsored fireworks displays while Sauti Sol also performed at the Sarova Whitesands Hotel.

Hotels in Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and Watamu also recorded higher guest numbers.

BIRTHS

In Kwale County revellers cheered and shouted as fireworks lit the skies from various spots to signal the beginning of a brand New Year.

As Kenyans partied the night away, others were welcoming in their arms new bundles of joy.

In Nakuru, 20 mothers were celebrating the safe delivery of babies — 11 boys and nine girls born between midnight and noon yesterday.

Ms Joyce Mumbi, 19, could not hide her joy after she safely delivered her first child.

Bidu Badu Beach, Tandouri, Manyatta in Kwale and other entertainment joints in Diani were packed to capacity amid tight security.

At Kaskazi Beach Hotel and Swahili Beach, hundreds of families were making merry to usher in the New Year, with fireworks all over.

The marketing manager Daniel Muturi said 2019 is a promising year and that the tourism sector is going to improve.

In Kakamega, Nominated Senator Naomi Shiyonga called on Kenyans to embrace peace.

In Nyandarua County, it was payback time for investors in the hospitality industry who planned well in readiness for the New Year celebrations.

Residents of Kisumu thronged churches and social joints to usher in the New Year.

Barcadia Lounge owner Bobby Stewart Onyuna said they decided to take the party to the streets, owing to the high number of revellers who turned up for the celebrations.

Meanwhile, blue economy, maritime transport and revival of sugar industries form Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o’s new year aspirations.

PEACE

In Uasin Gishu, residents and leaders flocked the Sports Club during the Pamoja Concert led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and several gospel artists drawn from Kenya and Tanzania.

The leaders and clergy praised the magical handshake between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga.

In Turkana, residents flocked churches in Lodwar town, for prayers while others opted for entertainment joints that included Marble Club and Extreme VIP, Tallying Center Nadapal and Icon Longue.

Fireworks were witnessed at Ceamo Village, Cradle Tented Camp and Stegra Hotel, while Turkana South MP James Lomenen hosted more than 2,000 constituents at his home in Lokichar town.

In Baringo, hundreds of locals ushered the New Year at the Rift Valley hills resort in Kabarnet and Lake Bogoria Spa resort which was organised by the management.

CULTURE

Those who attended the new year's eve at Lake Bogoria spa resort were treatment with a variety of entertainment from the neighbouring Tugen, Ilchamus, Pokot and Turkana communities around the Lake who showcased their diverse rich culture through songs and dances.

It was a rare show of unity as the three communities - which have for a long time been engaged in protracted armed raids - danced and sang together as they ushered in 2019.

In Nakuru County, fireworks marked celebrations in Nakuru Town as residents ushered in the New Year.

As the countdown to the New Year began, jubilation rent the air as the residents cheered on the fireworks displays.

Thousands of worshippers also thronged Afraha Stadium for a vigil organised by the Kingdom Seekers Fellowship, which was graced by Nakuru County Deputy Governor Eric Korir.

In Makueni County, thousands of residents prayed their way into 2019 in a colourful gospel music concert at Unoa grounds in Wote town.

It brought together celebrated and upcoming gospel musicians in the country as well as local interdenominational choirs and dozens of clerics drawn from various churches, mosques and the Makindu Sikh Temple.

A spectacular display of fireworks rent the air immediately the clock struck midnight to crown the concert dubbed Sifa Blast, which was organised jointly by the county government and gospel musician Mercy Masika.

Reporting by Eunice Murathe, Francis Mureithi, Rushdie Oudia, Caroline Mundu, Joseph Openda, Onyango K’Nyango, Tom Matoke, Flora Koech, Stanley Kimuge, Sammy Lutta, Pius Maundu, Diana Mutheu, Fadhili Fredrick and Winnie Atieno