Groups of youth, women involved in development projects, environmentalists, and other social groups registered in various initiatives were transported by matatu from the Mukuru informal settlements to join others in the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
The Republic Day celebration for 2023 was taking place today, Tuesday, December 12. Speaking anonymously to Taifa Leo Digital, they disclosed that each participant was given Ksh 500 to attend the festivities.
“We were informed by leaders that each person would be given Ksh 500 if they volunteered to go to Uhuru Gardens so that the venue doesn’t appear sparsely attended,” said a woman, a member of a community health project in the Mukuru area.
These groups gathered in the informal settlement of Mukuru-Hazina, South B, in the Starehe Sub-County.
On Lusaka, Entreprise, and Lunga Lunga roads at the heart of the Industrial Area, activities of public transport vehicles were low.
“We rely on our customers, mainly workers in the Industrial Area. Companies are closed today (Tuesday) for Jamhuri Day, so we don’t have many matatus on the road today,” said a driver from Indimanje Sacco, speaking to Taifa Leo Digital.
In the Juakali area, Kamukunji Constituency, artisans crafting metal boxes were busy producing them in large quantities, aiming to sell to parents as students prepare to join secondary schools in early 2024.
Machakos Country Bus in Nairobi had limited activity as there were not many travelers.
However, in the city center, street vendors dominated, continuing their businesses.
Those interviewed mentioned that they took advantage of the Jamhuri Day holiday to earn a living since county government officials, popularly known as “kanjo,” were not on duty.
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