Kenyans have welcomed the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where thousands of athletes from more than 200 countries paraded through the Bird's Nest stadium.

Millions of Kenyans who were glued to their television sets on Friday to get glimpse of the opening of the event which was beamed live from Beijing said that the quadrennial Games are the best ever.

"This is an exclusive opening ceremony that I have not seen of late. First the song by the young girl was marvelous. I admire too the voices of the singers who sang the China national anthem," said Duncan Mboyah, a trader in Nairobi.

"Then came the performers and acrobats. It was beautiful performance though they took a lot of time and I wondered how long they have practiced for this day," said Mboya, 32.

He said the drums, a light show and a display of fireworks by the Chinese children was very wonderful.

"All in all it was an amazing traditional dancing at the opening and I think that the Chinese need to be given rights to perform at every Olympic Games and other major world tournaments."

"This to me is the way to forget most atrocities that we see happening in all corners of the world now and again," he said.

Olympic Games have been very close to the hearts of Kenyans following a tradition they established in the 1972 Olympics Games where they have since won a medal in every subsequent games.

Rows of fireworks, representing each of the 29 modern Games, that lit up Beijing were most fascinating to Kenyans who occupied most restaurants and hotels to watch a piece of the action.

Many marveled at the Bird's Nest, saying that it was a rare piece of architecture. Several could be heard commenting as the events of live coverage continued to leave them in awe.

"The attendance, arrangement and performances as well as the music as the teams march past is exhilarating. This is a true indication of commitment and proper planning on the part of the Chinese," commented Eric Kibet from Rift Valley as he sampled the festivities.

Mohammed Hussein, a university student, said: "The spectacular display during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics is wonderful. I think this is a great opportunity for the world to learn more about China, let the games begin and I expect to see more wonderful display from the Chinese people. I am amazed how good the Chinese people are."

Many were pleased with the depth of knowledge the commentator had of the participating teams and individuals, giving them an attachment with the participants.

Many were upbeat that if the opening ceremony was anything to go by, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games could be the best ever.

"The opening ceremony is a spectacular show of the Chinese might in organizing a massive game like Olympics. The nest-like stadium with prompt and splendor that is being displaced shows that the Chinese may not be easy to beat when it comes to construction of stadiums and showmanship," said James Shimanyula, 56, a sports journalist from Kakamega town in west Kenya.

Kenyans were equally elated by a giant plasma screen enveloping the roof of the stadium that produced a stunning virtual flood of water.

"These (Chinese) people are very creative people. The opening of the Olympic Games is only a small part of it. More things are coming. The organization of the Olympic Games shows a lot of Chinese culture, they like the Red color and have used the children to showcase their hospitality," said Eric Omondi, a Kisumu hawker.

"The Chinese have used the 21st century to set the pace for future organizers of Olympics Games. The way I see it, China looks unbeatable classic organizers and determined when it comes to sports."

Source:Xinhua