Tight security ahead of Uhuru's State of the Nation address

Security has been beefed up at Parliament Buildings ahead of President Kenyatta’s state of the Nation Address this afternoon.

Police say some roads near Parliament will be closed for the occasion and they want motorists to heed directions by personnel on the ground.

The address will take place in the afternoon.

There are many expectationsof the President, especially on a way forward in the war on graft.

Parliament Road has been closed and all visitors subjected to thorough screening.

Several leaders, among them AU envoy Raila Odinga and chief justice David Maraga, are expected to attend the event.

Workers were seen putting last minute touches to ensure everything is in order.

The environment is that of anticipation amid expectations that the President will tackle key challenges in the country.

Key issues of concern are unemployment, food security, corruption and succession politics.

The ongoing crackdown on corruption, the unmet Big Four agenda timelines and promises and drought are expected to dominate the address.

Uhuru will also address the nation at a time when the country’s economy seems to be sluggish, with the government struggling to meet its debt obligations due to suppressed revenue.

The latest Treasury numbers show the Kenya Revenue Authority, with three months to the end of the financial year, has so far managed to collect Sh900 billion in tax against a target of Sh1.6 trillion.