Kenya to mark 49 years of independence

Kenya will Friday mark 49 years of independence.

Main Madaraka Day celebrations, as the occasion is known, will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium, in Nairobi and will be presided over by President Mwai Kibaki.

The President is scheduled to arrive at the venue shortly before 11am (+3 GMT), to be received by the Chief of the Defence Forces, Gen. J. W. Karangi.

He will shortly afterwards make a lap in the stadium to acknowledge greetings from citizens.

The occasion will feature songs and dance, drills and performances and presentations by the disciplined forces.

The entertainment groups expected to feature at the independence anniversary celebrations include the Safari Voices International and Africa Prophetic-Charismatic Independent Churches.