The Trooping of the Colour, performed by the 20 Para Battalion of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) during Jamhuri Day celebrations, December 12, 2025. /OKUSI TECHEThis year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium featured a significant military ceremony, the Trooping of the Colour, performed by the 20 Para Battalion of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Trooping of the Colour is a prestigious military ritual in which flags bearing a battalion’s battle honours are ceremoniously marched and saluted.
The tradition symbolises loyalty, service and sacrifice, both within the military and to the nation.
The event marked a major milestone for the 20 Para Battalion, which received its regimental flag, signifying its status as a fully-fledged battalion of the KDF.
Receiving colours is one of the highest honours bestowed on a military unit.
The Trooping of the Colour, performed by the 20 Para Battalion of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) during Jamhuri Day celebrations, December 12, 2025. /KDF
The colours (flags) represent the soul, spirit and history of a battalion, carrying its battle honours and badges.
The ceremony recognises the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of service members and reinforces their role in safeguarding peace.
The precise drills and pageantry displayed during the ritual demonstrated the KDF’s high standards, discipline, unity and unwavering loyalty to Kenya.
The ceremony began with the battalion laying the Presidential Colour — a flag that resembles the national flag — and the burgundy regimental flag.
This was followed by a short consecration, during which clergy blessed the regiment.
President William Ruto, the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, then handed the Presidential Colour, followed by the regimental colour, to the two designated colour officers.
President William Ruto inspects a guard of honour during Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, December 12, 2025. /OKUSI TECHE
The Presidential Colour represents a direct link to the Commander-in-Chief and symbolises the nation’s defence and the KDF’s role in safeguarding it.
The flags were then marched back to the parade to the slow beat of the National Anthem.
As they entered the parade, all soldiers on mount performed an arm salute as the colours passed before them.
This remains the only instance in which officers march while the National Anthem is played in a slow tempo.
Led by the colour officers, the flags were marched past the presidential dais, first at a slow pace and then at a quick march.
Officers from the 20 Para Battalion of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) during the Trooping of the Colour at Nyayo Stadium, December 12, 2025. /OKUSI TECHE
The colours are accorded such high regard that each time they pass, the president salutes them.
“Their precision and dedication reflect the integrity and patriotism of the Kenya Defence Forces. We salute every soldier for their inspiring service in protecting our freedom,” KDF said in a statement.
The regimental flag is considered the lifeline of a battalion. It is stored under lock and key under 24-hour armed guard.
Losing the flag is regarded as a severe disgrace, and any battalion that loses it risks disbandment.
During the 2023 Jamhuri Day celebrations, the 25th Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the KDF performed its Trooping of the Colour, officially becoming a fully-fledged battalion since its formation in 2017.
