Kenyans usher in new year 2019 with song and dance

Thousands of Kenyans joined the rest of the world in welcoming the new year 2019 in style.

In Baringo, revellers both young and old thronged the Lake Bogoria Spa Resort and kept vigil throughout the night with entertainment from cultural dancers and runway models.

At midnight, fireworks rocked the skies with screams of excitement renting the air as elated crowds burst into song and dance.

Taita Taveta County was not left behind as some gathered in Voi to end the year in style.

Area Governor Granton Samboja and Woman Rep Lydia Haika urged residents to coexist in peace as portrayed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga during the much publicised handshake.

In Mombasa, fireworks lit the sky at various beaches and entertainment spots where hundreds had gathered to usher in the New Year 2019.

For a moment, all the troubles of 2018 seemed to have been forgotten and neither tribe, religion or political affiliation mattered as locals celebrated a new dawn.

At Travellers Beach Hotel, hundreds of local and international holidaymakers hugged and made merry.

The hotel Sales and Marketing Manager Wafula Waswa said tourist confidence in Kenya had increased.

He called on the Kenya Tourism Board to expand its marketing strength to further improve the sector.

Major hotels in the Coastal region registered 100 percent bookings for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In Nyeri, over 400 elderly persons were treated to free meals, medical camp and gift hampers.

The senior citizens drawn from all the corners of the county had a rare chance of mingling and dancing to their favorite tunes.

During the event that was organised by Purity Elderly Care Foundation, Director Joyce Kairu urged the society to take better care of the elderly.

She said it was unfortunate to see them honoured only in death through lavish sendoffs yet when they are alive they are ignored.

Ms. Kairu was speaking at the function that was held at the Nyeri Health Center.

In Nandi, faithfuls gathered in various churches for thanksgiving.

At Deliverance church in Kapsabet, Rev Isaac Mutai led hundreds worshippers in praying for peace and unity among all Kenyans.

Residents of Kisii town also joined other Kenyans in ushering in the new year 2019 with a party that was organized by the county government at Kisii national high school.

Governor James Ongwae led residents in counted down the last seconds of the year 2018.

Addressing residents, the Governor said they would aim at improving service delivery.

Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga also called on Kisii residents to embrace unity in order to provide a good environment for development.

In West Pokot County, peace messages dominated new year 2019 celebrations.

Governor John Lonyangapuo urged residents to embrace peace saying:”We are praying God to protect us so that we can live in peace with our neighbors from Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia counties.”

By Evans Kimaiyo, Keith Wangwe, Francis Mkonu, Emilio Mureithi, Daniel Korir, Vincent Mwasi and Collins Shitiabayi