Guard of honour, prayers and protocol set tone for Ruto’s State of the Nation Address

President William Ruto in Parliament for the State of The Nation Address on November 20, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A

Proceedings for the 2025 State of the Nation Address commenced Thursday afternoon with a formal order of activities beginning with the National Anthem and that of the East African Community.

It was then followed by a prayer led by the Speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi, signalling the official opening of the joint sitting.

The convocation then followed, first by the Speaker of the Senate and subsequently by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

A commander issues orders during the State of the Nation Address on November 20, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A

Wetang’ula then acknowledged various high-level dignitaries present in the Speaker’s gallery then invited President William Ruto to deliver his address to the bicameral Parliament.

Ruto arrived earlier at Parliament Buildings for the much-anticipated constitutional ceremony that brings together the Senate and the National Assembly in a single sitting shortly after 2pm.

The head of State was accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri.

The President then greeted the leadership of both Houses, led by Speakers Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi of the Senate, before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces.

He later proceeded to the parliamentary chambers for the address. Ruto’s State of the Nation Address is expected to highlight key government achievements over the past year, outline ongoing development projects, present the administration’s economic strategy, and set policy priorities for the year ahead.

Military men during the State of The Nation Address on November 20, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A

National cohesion, an increasingly central theme amid economic reforms and political realignments, is also anticipated to feature prominently in his speech.

The joint sitting has drawn a high-profile audience, including senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, constitutional officeholders, and other dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the event in Kenya’s political calendar.

The annual address, delivered in accordance with Article 132 of the Constitution, provides the President an opportunity to report on national security, the functioning of the devolved system, progress of government programmes, and Kenya’s international obligations.

Guard of honour during the State of The Nation Address on November 20, 2025./EZEKIEL AMING'A

After the President’s remarks, the Speakers of both Houses will formally adjourn the session, first the Speaker of the Senate, followed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, marking the end of the ceremonial proceedings.

The President will later be hosted at Parliament for a reception, bringing to a close a day steeped in constitutional protocol, political symbolism, and national reflection.