President Kibaki Tasks KFS during Mashuja day Celebration

KFS Rangers match past the main dias 

KFS Rangers looking good. 

Col. (Rtd) Kimani arriving at the venue. 

H.E. President Mwai Kibaki during the function. 

It was pomp and colours as the country celebrated its first ever Mashuja day celebrations at Nyayo National stadium. The stadium was parked to the brim as the event attracted Kenyans from all corners of the country. In his speech, the president tasked the Kenya Forest Service to ensure that there is enough seedlings to match the demand to forestation. In his reading He said, ‘I also call upon Kenyans to reserve 10% of our land for tree cover as stipulated in our constitution. With our concerted efforts, this target can be achieved with minimal effort.

 The Kenya Forest Service has been directed to expand its tree nurseries so that we have enough tree seedlings. Trees are not only important for water conservation and rainfall but they are also an important resource for domestic and commercial use. Trees are a source of wealth and I call upon more Kenyans to venture into this line of business.’  It was a challenge the president posed to KFS and the Communities at large to ensure that the supply of seedlings is constant and Kenya walks towards getting green. Kenyans were urged to pick tree seedling tendering as a business to enable majority of Kenyans earn a living.

The Mashuja day celebrations were attended by Prime minister, vice president amongst other dignitaries. KFS was represented by the Commandant COL (RTD) Kimani, The assistant Commandant LT (RTD) Otieno and Inspector Joshua Kitutu. The service also had a platoon full of rangers who matched past the president. The neatly dressed up Rangers who wore light combat regalia impressively flushed there ‘left right’ skills as they trailed arm the Germany made G3 rifle saluting to the president and who is the commander of all the defense forces.

The celebrations that saw the government recognize people who have made the country proud in various disciplines such: MAU MAU veterans, athletes, footballers, Journalists, Musicians amongst others. Kenyans were entertained by various dance groups and musicians from \Kenya. Amongst the participants were Jimmy Gait, the Universities of Kenya Mass Choir, the state house choir and the veteran musician Gabriel Omollo who sung ‘sasa ni lunch time’  a song that  was a heat in Kenya and west Africa.

It was indeed a new page for Kenya moreso after the promulgation of the new constitution which ushered in Mashuja day which was popularly known us Kenyatta day.

Report by Vincent Bwire