High Commission of India

Nairobi

Press Release

Celebration of 74^th Republic Day of India

            High Commission of India celebrated the 74th Republic Day at India House.  On 26 January 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect and India became a republic.

2. In the morning function, High Commissioner Ms. Namgya Khampa unfurled the tricolour flag at India House in presence of over 250 diapora and friends of India from Kenya. The event included singing of national anthem, reading of President's address and cultural performances.

3. High Commissioner then visited the British and Indian Memorial in Nairobi. A large number of Indian troops were deployed in the East Africa campaign of World War 1 and played a vital role in the war.  The Kenya Defence Forces, represented by Brig E Gatere, joined the High Commissioner in laying wreaths at the Memorial, in tribute to the Indian soldiers, in a solemn military ceremony at 1130 hrs.

4. The National Day Reception was hosted by the Mission at India House in the evening at India House. The event was graced by the presence of HE Mr. Eliud Owalo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (CS) and HE Amb. George Orina, Director General, Bilateral and Political Affairs/Multilateral & International Affairs (DG) as Guest of Honour. Hon’ble CS, in his address, spoke about India-Kenya engagement and expressed intention to work together in the area of ICT and digital economy. DG read the remarks of Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs HE Dr Alfred Mutua. There was high ranking representation from the Kenyan side including Governor of Kisumu county, Principal Secretaries and Vice Chief of Defence Forces. Additionally, over 350 guests including senior Kenyan government officers, diplomats, UN Representatives, businesses, diaspora members, Indian alumni, and media were present in the event.  The ceremonial part of the event was followed by cultural performances.

5. A separate Millet Corner was created serving millets-based cuisine to highlight the fact that 2023 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Millet.

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