Nairobi woke up to an unusual buzz on Friday as people trooped into Nyayo National Stadium long before daylight for the 62nd Jamhuri Day ceremony. Many came wrapped in jackets and shawls, pushing through the early morning chill as they made their way toward the gates, eager to be part of the national celebration marking Kenya’s journey into full freedom.
By the time the sun rose, the stadium had turned into a lively blend of song and colour.
The stands were filled in neat sections of black, red, white and green, forming a large-scale pattern that echoed the national flag. From a glance across the terraces, the huge gathering looked like a moving canvas, with waves of colour shifting whenever people jumped up to cheer, danced to the tunes or waved their flags.
Groups in the stands lifted small Kenyan flags every time the choir switched to a patriotic piece, giving the crowd a unified look as the music filled the stadium.
Some waved white handkerchiefs in matching motion, a familiar sight at national events and a reminder of long-standing traditions at such celebrations. The whole scene carried a mix of pride, joy and expectancy as the programme slowly built up.
Security remained tight inside and around the stadium, with officers checking entry points and guiding spectators to ensure the morning moved smoothly.
The arrival of President William Ruto added to the rising energy. He stepped out of a black suit from his motorcade, which had moved from State House to the stadium in about fifteen minutes. He was welcomed by Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri before taking a full ceremonial lap around the stadium in the open-top car.
Rachel Ruto, who had arrived earlier, entered the stadium in an Ankara outfit while walking beside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The deputy president, Kithure Kindiki, also reached the venue shortly before the head of state, together with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The guest of honour, Ghanaian President John Mahama, made his entrance just moments before Ruto’s arrival and was received by Kindiki and Mudavadi.
Jamhuri Day is rooted in the Swahili word “jamhuri,” meaning republic, and marks December 12, 1963, when Kenya stepped into full independence. It came only half a year after Madaraka Day, the moment the country first took charge of its internal affairs. Sixty-two years later, the day still brings Kenyans together to reflect on the long fight for freedom and the hopes that continue to shape the country.
This year’s celebrations followed a themed week held from December 8 to 11 under the banner “Tourism, Wildlife, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).” The theme focused on showing Kenya’s strength in tourism, wildlife protection and the fast-growing international events space.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the week aimed to position Kenya as a strong global destination for major gatherings. He explained that the goal was to showcase the country’s ability to host high-level events, improve its competitiveness in event bidding and support investments needed to grow the MICE sector.
The celebrations came at a time when the country is dealing with economic concerns, ongoing debates on leadership and wide discussions about the path of national development. Even so, the mood at Nyayo Stadium showed a strong sense of unity as citizens reflected on the road Kenya has walked and the milestones yet to come.
