Country marks 58th Madaraka Day today; Main event at Kisumu County

Kenya is commemorating 58 years since attaining internal self rule from the British colonialists. The ceremony is being held at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu County.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye is the chief guest. The ceremony marks the conclusion of President Uhuru Kenyatta's three-day whirlwind of Kisumu and Siaya counties in which he commissioned a shipyard, cargo ship, Kisumu Port, marine school, and also gave Ndayishimiye some cows.

There were concerns earlier this week that the venue would be shifted in the light of surging COVID-19 numbers in Kisumu County. Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho allayed these fears but urged Kisumu residents who have not been officially invited to the evenet to follow the proceedings from their homes,

Only 3,000 invited guests will be allowed to attend the event which starts at 10:30am.

According to the schedule released last Sunday, the venue opened at 4am to allow security officers sufficient time to screen the guests and check on the adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

"We expect all guests to be seated by 8.30am and be ready to be entertained by various groups of artistes," said Dr Kibicho.

The main event will kick off at 11am, soon after prayers. There will be a full military parade, followed by speeches by various leaders. There will be no further celebrations after the end of the official programme at 12.30pm.

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