King Charles III and the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken have celebrated Kenya as it marks its 60th Jamhuri Day.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, King Charles III congratulated Kenyans and President William Ruto on the country’s 60th year as a free state, as well as the fruitful partnerships Kenya has had with the United Kingdom for many years.
“Dear Mr President, I would like to send my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency, and the people of the Republic of Kenya on Jamhuri Day, which is particularly significant this year as you mark sixty years since Independence,” King Charles III message read in part.
“I look forward to the continuing warm friendship and the strong and close partnership between our two countries, including as members of the Commonwealth, in this special year of the tenth anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter,” he added.
King Charles III pledged to continue fostering relations in Kenya to deepen the country’s prosperity, peace, and democracy and even tackle climate change.
“As we face these challenging times, our work together for prosperity, peace and democracy, and above all to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, is all the more important. As you, and Kenyans everywhere, celebrate today, my wife joins me in sending you our warmest good wishes for the year ahead,” the King stated.
The king also thanked the country for its hospitality during his November visit.
“The visit demonstrated the vital importance of the UK-Kenya partnership and our ambitions to strengthen it yet further in the months and years to come,” he said.
In a separate statement, Antony Blinken praised Kenya for its continued partnership with the United States.
He also stated that the US is committed to maintaining bilateral partnerships with Kenya and promoting regional peace, prosperity, and security.
“We look to forward to continuing to deepen our close economic partnership for the benefit of Kenyans and Americans alike,” he said.
“The people of Kenya can continue to count on the United States as a dedicated friend as we address our shared challenges.”
The British colonial government handed over power to Kenya on December 12, 1963, under the leadership of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s founding father, and the day has since been designated as Jamhuri Day.
According to Interior PS Raymond Omollo, 30,000 people are expected to attend this year’s celebration, which will be held at Uhuru Gardens.
Other Kenyans are also celebrating in their respective counties.
