Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Marc Dillard giving his keynote speech during the U.S. Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Ambassador's official residence on July 3, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDYThe United States embassy in Nairobi hosted a celebration to mark the 249th anniversary of American Independence, bringing together U.S. nationals living in Kenya, Kenyan officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests.
The event, held at the official residence of the
U.S. Ambassador, was decorated in red, white, and blue—symbolic of the American
flag—and reflected the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United
States.
Independence Day, observed on July 4, marks the 1776 ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress, which established the United States of America.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard said the celebrations were not only about American freedom but also about the shared values between the two countries.
“As we celebrate our national day, we also
celebrate the values that connect us: democracy, self-determination,
creativity, and the will to build something better, even when the odds are long,”
he said.
Dillard highlighted some of the key areas of
collaboration between the two nations, including creative industries and
defense cooperation. He pointed to the ongoing partnership between the
Massachusetts National Guard and the Kenya Defence Forces, which has seen over
150 joint engagements in the last ten years.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Marc Dillard and Kenya Air Force Major General John Mugaravai Omenda during the U.S. Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Ambassador's official residence on July 3, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY“We are also co-hosting a creative economy forum in Nairobi, which speaks to our shared commitment to innovation and cultural exchange,” he added.
Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. A.
Korir Sing’Oei praised the United States for its contribution to Kenya’s
economic growth, citing investments by 85 American companies valued at over USD
2.9 billion.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Marc Dillard and High Commissioner Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, together with his wife, during the U.S. Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Ambassador's official residence on July 3, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY“That is a significant contribution whose effects trickle down to many homes through jobs and business opportunities,” Sing’Oei said. “It is clear that, over 60 years of diplomatic relations, the United States has proven to be a true friend of Kenya.”
He expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, stating that both countries have “huge opportunities to work together.”
Among the Kenyan government officials present were Foreign Affairs PS Dr. A.
Korir Sing’Oei, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Kenya Air Force
Commander Major General John Mugaravai Omenda, Director General of the National
Intelligence Service Noordin Haji, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson
Ingonga, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
Also
in attendance were politicians and public figures including Busia Senator Okiya
Omtatah, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, and EALA MP Hassan Omar.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Marc Dillard and Polish Ambassador to Kenya Mirosław Gojdź, together with political and economic affairs officer Akshi Shah, during the U.S. Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Ambassador's official residence on July 3, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Marc Dillard and Foreign Affairs PS Dr. A. Korir Sing'Oei toss a glass of wine in honor of the enduring friendship between the US and Kenya during the U.S. Independence Anniversary Celebration at the Ambassador's official residence on July 3, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY
