This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
JKIA's Christmas Tree Sparks Outrage Among Kenyans ¶
On December 18, 2019, a Christmas tree was erected at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, sparking outrage among Kenyans on Twitter.
The tree, which appears to be a makeshift structure made from branches of a tree, has been decorated with an assortment of Christmas decorations and gift boxes.
Many Kenyans took to Twitter to express their shock and disappointment over the tree, with some questioning the airport's priorities and the cost of the tree.
As one Twitter user, @KibetKigen_, pointed out, 'Here's a real Christmas tree vs JKIA mti wa sikukuu.'
Another user, @DjProtegeKenya, tweeted, 'Christmas tree at JKIA!! Imagine its not a must,?????.'
Some users even called for the airport to be held accountable for the tree, with @Syombuak tweeting, 'If this is actually the Christmas tree at #JKIA.. someone please tell us who we should fire.. hii aibu ya shortcuts tumechoka nayo.. whoever got contacted to buy and decorate this tree..rudisha hiyo pesa immediately #KOT #KOTLoyals #KOTLOYAL #KOTLoyalsNiSisi #STOPTheseTHIEVES.'
JKIA's Christmas tree has become a symbol of the country's economic struggles, with many users pointing out that the tree is a luxury that the country cannot afford.
As @Kaberia_jr tweeted, 'Someone to confirm how many millions have been used on this Christmas tree at JKIA!'
The controversy surrounding JKIA's Christmas tree has sparked a wider conversation about the country's priorities and the cost of public projects.
