This year’s Jamhuri Day honored Kenya’s Defence Forces (KDF) 20 Para Battalion as it received its regimental flag, signifying its status as a fully-fledged battalion of the KDF in a ‘Troop the Colour’ ceremonial display.
The ceremony serves as an opportunity for a regiment to showcase its colours which symbolize the honour bestowed upon a unit or base.
During the military ritual, flags bearing a battalion’s battle honours are ceremoniously marched and saluted and is considered as one of the highest honours bestowed on a military unit.
The Colour Officer is responsible for the custody, preservation, and ceremonial display of the regimental Colours. The officer ensures that all drills and procedures involving the Colours are executed with precision and strict adherence to protocol.
The officer works closely with parade commanders to have flawless ceremonial standards and safeguards both the Colours, honour, and traditions they represent.
This year the duty was bestowed upon Lieutenant Kelvin Kiso.
The tradition which originated in 17th-century England, where the Queen’s Colour, a symbol of sovereignty, was showcased in an elaborate ceremony symbolises loyalty, service and sacrifice, both within the military and to the nation.
The Colours are a highly guarded and treasured possession, and their loss could lead to the disbandment of the unit or base.
After independence, the Presidential and Regimental Colours replaced those of the Queen.
The ceremony begins with the battalion laying the Presidential Colour and the burgundy regimental flag, followed by a short consecration, during which clergy blessed the regiment.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, then hands the Presidential Colour, followed by the regimental colour, to the two designated colour officers.
The flags are then marched back to the parade to the slow beat of the National Anthem and as they enter the parade, all soldiers on mount perform an arm salute as the colours pass before them.
The flags are marched past the presidential dais, first at a slow pace and then at a quick march.
