KENYA: Monumental Dias Symbolic of Pope’s Powerful Message, Archbishop Muheria Says
By Arnold Neliba
NAIROBI, MAY 11, 2021 (CISA)-Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Chairman of Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, has lauded the decision by the Government of Kenya to declare the 2015 Papal Dias as a national monument.
In a May 9 statement to
CISA, the archbishop noted that the monumental dais was a significant symbol in remembrance of the Pope’s message to the country during the 2015 visit.
“The declaration of the Papal Dias as a National monument recognizes the great significance Pope Francis visit was for Kenya and the Kenyan people. This is a great gesture to immortalize in a physical way the powerful message Pope Francis had for Kenya pronounced on the various sites he visited,” Archbishop Muheria said.
Ronald Ngala Statue in Nairobi CBD Gets National Honours
A photo of Ronald Ngala Street in Nairobi.
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The Ronald Ngala Statue which is located in the Nairobi Business District (CBD) has been declared a national monument.
In a gazette notice, CS Sports and Culture Amina Mohammed stated the site was found to have historical value and would be protected. In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 25 (1) (d) of the National Museums and Heritage Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture, and Heritage declares the statue specified in the Schedule, which she considers being of historical interest, to be a monument within the meaning of the Act, the CS noted.
THE STANDARD
NATIONAL
The Papal Dais at the University of Nairobi [Courtesy]
The Papal Dais at the University of Nairobi is among the sites that have been declared national monuments.
In a gazette notice Number 40114 of April 30, Sports and Culture Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed said the site was found to have historical value and would be protected.
The dais, constructed and designed by Tectura International, an international architectural and design firm, was used as a podium for the Pope’s address to thousands of Christians during his 2015 visit Kenya.
It also hosted dignitaries and senior clergy in the catholic church during the event.
UoN Building Declared a National Monument
Papal Dias situated at the University of Nairobi sports grounds in Nairobi
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The Papal Dias at the University of Nairobi is among the sites that have been declared national monuments.
In a gazette notice on Friday, April 30, Sports and Culture CS Amina Mohammed announced the site was found to have historical value and would be protected.
The dias was used during the Pope s 2015 visit to the country addressing thousands of Christians that had gatherered at the UoN Sports grounds. In exercise of the powers conferred by section 25 (1) (d) of the National Museums and Heritage Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture, and Heritage declares the building specified in the Schedule, which she considers being of historical interest, to be a monument within the martial; of the Act, the CS noted.