Brand Kenya: Govt did not pay Ksh.6.9M for three-minute ad on Burj Khalifa

Kenyans were swelling with pride when a video emerged of their flag projected on the iconic Burj Khalifa Tower in Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa lit up in Kenya’s national colors: red, green, white and black.

The three-minute display commemorated Jamhuri Day, a celebration of Kenya’s 55 years of independence.

Brand Kenya has revealed that the government did not pay for the display.

“Kenya has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the UAE and for such the country saw it deeming to recognize and honor the Kenyan flag on the world’s tallest building during our Independence Day celebrations,” Brand Kenya said in a statement on Friday.

”Consulates in UAE always request Burj Khalifa to display their national flags during the their independence day celebrations…but is it free,” Prokobanda said on Twitter.

Other governments that have had the colors of their national flag beamed on Burj Khalifa include Uganda, Oman, Canada, United States, Qatar, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Switzerland and Singapore.

Reports indicate that prices for display of advertisements on the Burj Khalifa vary depending on the day of the week, time of day and duration that an advertiser seeks.

”The cost to place a promotional advert or message on the façade of the Burj Khalifa starts from AED250,000 (Ksh 6.9 million) for a single three minute display, according to the marketing agency which manages the lighting displays,” Arab Business reports.

It costs AED 250,000 (Ksh 6.9 million) on a weekday from 8pm to 10pm with the cost rising to AED 350,000 (Ksh. 9.6million) on a weekend within the same two-hour period.

To get two to three minute impressions on a weekday, it will set you back AED 500,000 (Ksh. 13.8million).

You will have to dig deeper into your pockets to get a five-minute display as it costs AED 1 million (Ksh. 27.6million) on a weekday from 7pm to midnight.