No large crowds packing the stands at Nyayo National Stadium, or other venues across the country, waiting for government officials to read the president's speech. Instead, only 5,000 people will be allowed into the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, against a sitting capacity of 35,000, to ensure social distancing in keeping with Covid-19 protocols. The event will be in strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols," Nairobi County Commissioner James Kianda said. Today's celebrations also come at a time the country is grappling with hardships brought about by the pandemic, including a health workers strike, crippling economy and public debt. But Gitile Naituli, a don at Multimedia University, said this year’s holiday does not reflect the independence optimism Kenyans had before.

Source: Standard Digital December 11, 2020 21:00 UTC