Explainer: Details of 2024 trooping of colours ahead of Jamhuri Day fete

The stage is set for the grand spectacle of the Trooping of the Colours parade by Wajir Air Base later this morning, as the country marks the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens Museum and National Monument.

The base will commemorate its final milestone of formation by receiving its presidential and regimental colours from President William Ruto, which will subsequently usher in a series of activities planned as part of this year’s festivities.

The colours symbolise the spirit of the regiment, bearing the battle honours and badges granted in recognition of gallant deeds performed by its troops. They are highly revered and carefully guarded by the unit.

The honour of "Trooping of the Colour" is a very significant ceremony done by infantry Units whereby they are handed both Presidential and Regimental Colours (flags) for the first time, a practice also referred to as the Consecration and Presentation of Colours.

It is symbolic of the trust given to the unit and involves a strict drill for marching in and out and handling the Colours (flags) which on normal occasions are kept under lock and key and only removed occasionally for ceremonial displays.

During trooping, every soldier on parade has a close view of the Colour as it passes whilst paying the highest possible honours by presenting arms in salute, a significant event for a Unit that is recorded in its history.

The practice of the "Trooping of the Colour" originated in 17th century England. It involved the Queen's colour which was a symbol of sovereignty and would be showcased in an elaborate ceremony.

After independence, the presidential and regimental colours replaced those of the Queen.

Wajir Air Base mandate

Wajir Air Base was established on February 25, 1974, following the creation of the Air Defence Control Unit (ADCU), with the primary mandate to defend the national airspace against aerial threats.

Over the years, it has retained a critical defence role in safeguarding Kenya’s air assets in collaboration with other stakeholders, while also distinguishing itself through its responses to major disasters across the country.

For instance, when the nation faced the 1998 US Embassy attack in Nairobi, the unit launched a Search and Rescue Mission dubbed 'Operation Okoa Maisha', saving the lives of many Kenyans and earning commendations for its swift and invaluable contribution to disaster response.

The unit has also undertaken numerous successful disaster response operations, including the search and retrieval of victims after the Enziu River Bus tragedy in December 2021; the recovery of victims and equipment swept away by floods in Baringo in May 2020; rescue of over 200 residents during the 2019 West Pokot landslides following heavy rains; and the recovery of drowned bodies at Lake Yahoud in Wajir, Githurai Dam, and Garden Estate, all in the same year.

It also contributed to the rescue of over 300 residents displaced by floods in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, on April 26, 2018, as well as the recovery of victims of the Solai Dam tragedy in May 2018 and the recovery of victims of a civil aircraft crash at the peak of the Aberdares Range on June 8, 2018.

These numerous efforts eventually led to the establishment of the Tri-Service Disaster Response Unit (DRU), which is now based at Embakasi Garrison.

In August 2017, the unit was elevated to an Air Defence Regiment (ADR) in alignment with the country’s Strategic Defence Policy. Three years later, it became a fully-fledged base in Wajir, taking on the name Wajir Air Base.

The base is home to several prominent sports personalities, including Corporal William Tanui, who won a gold medal in the 800-metre race at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

After the Trooping of the Colours ceremony, the usual programme for the Jamhuri Day celebrations will proceed under the theme: Jobs, Labour Migration, Entrepreneurship and Entertainment.

For the past two years, the government has observed themed public holidays. This year’s theme was preceded by a week-long expo on related topics at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).