Kenya marks 61st Jamhuri Day at Uhuru Gardens

Kenyans heading to Uhuru Gardens for the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations are ongoing at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.  

By 6a.m. Thursday, members of the public had already begun arriving at the venue. 

A crowd at the gates of Uhuru Gardens.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Security has been heightened at the garden's entrance and across the city.

Security officers at Uhuru Gardens on December 12.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

President William Ruto will preside over the event later in the day. 

DP Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and other dignitaries have arrived. 

Some Heads of State including Gambia's President Adama Barrow are also expected to attend.  

Kenyans expect the president to address several challenges facing them including over-taxation, the new university funding model, human rights abuses and others.

Members of the public sitted at Uhuru Gardens.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The ceremony marks Kenya's transition to a republic 61 years ago, following its independence in 1963.