Jamhuri Day is regarded as Kenya’s most important day, marked by numerous festivities which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage and looks back at her journey to independence and self-governance.
During the period between 12 December 1963 and 12 December 1964, Kenya was an Independent country but a “Dominion” within the British Monarchy, hence they had a Kenyan as Prime Minister and head of government, but the Queen of United Kingdom remained Head of state of Kenya.
During the Jamhuri event of 1964, Jomo Kenyatta assumed Presidency of the Republic of Kenya, and the Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom ceased to be Head of State of Kenya.
Sir Everlyn Barring also ceased his role asGovernor-General and representative of the British Monarch in Kenya.
The Trooping of the Kenya Defence Forces takes place every Jamhuri Day.
The ceremony begins at 11:30 after the President of Kenya, takes the national salute, and inspects the parade.
The band plays a slow march followed with a quick march the lone drummer then breaks away to take his position beside number one guard to play the drummers call, signalling the officers of No.1 Guard to take positions to receive the colour.
The escort for the colour then marches off to collect the colour as the massed KDF band plays the chosen Kenyan tune.
After the handover and as the Escort presents arms the first verse of the Kenya national anthem is played, then the escort to the colour marches off in a slow march to the tune of the British grenadier guards. The first tune normally played during the march is always ‘By land and sea’.
Though this year celebration will be different due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
The national government has set out plans to reverse the escalation of the spread of the virus.
Interior PS Karanja Kibicho in a statement said Jamhuri Day will be marked at Nyayo Stadium, with President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing a live address from 8am.
“No other national day celebrations shall be held in the country.”
Kibicho added that in the current circumstances regarding the pandemic and in order to adhere to directives and protocols issued by the government, inviting people for the 2020 Jamhuri Day celebrations shall not be possible.
Kenyans are required to follow the president’s address on radio, TV and social media platforms.
By Joy Kyalo
