Kenya has finally turned 55, and Kenyans have turned out to celebrate the fete. All have headed to Nyayo National stadium for the celebrations that are being led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, but what should Kenyans expect from him? Among the things the he will be doing, the President will present the Presidential Colour and Regimental Colour to the 17th Battalion of Kenya Rifles.
All infantry units and bases (Kenya Air Force and Kenya Navy) are presented with both presidential and regimental colours.
The consecration & presentation of the Unit’s Colours to the Battalion therefore, marks the unit’s final milestone in its formation. Since its inception #17Battalion has undertaken major operational assignments in diverse areas, including several tours under the @amisomsomalia . pic.twitter.com/vxLL9QFYxA
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) December 11, 2018
The presidential colour is trooped when a unit or base performs a national ceremony in which the Commander in Chief is honoured with a guard of honour.
The regimental colour is presented to a unit or base at the same time with presidential colour.
It is displayed whenever the unit or base performs a ceremony for General Officers who are accorded Half Guard parades during visits.
The 17th Battalion of the Kenya Rifles was born in 2009 as a unit in the Kenya Army. The unit colour was approved to be purple in 2010.
When a unit/base is designated to troop its colour, it becomes an honour to the regiment or base as it is able to showcase its colours in a ceremony known as Trooping Of The Colour.
Since both Colours stand for the Honour accorded to the Unit or Base, they are handled with utmost respect & are saluted as a sign of respect whenever one gets into close proximity to them. It is for this reason that people are asked to stand and salute. #TroopingOfTheColours pic.twitter.com/u50Zy8X1i3
— Kenya Defence Forces (@kdfinfo) December 11, 2018
The presidential colour is trooped on special days such as Jamhuri Day.
Governor Mike Sonko said all is set for the event which is expected to be graced by hundreds of Kenyans and heads of delegations from other countries.
The colours to be presented at the parade by the military symbolise the spirit of the regiment for they bear the battle honours and badges granted to commemorate the gallant deeds performed by a specific regiment.
“The colours are the highest honour of any regiment or unit and are therefore a well-guarded and treasured possession,” KDF explained.
Since both colours stand for the honour accorded to the unit or base, they are handled with utmost respect and are saluted as a sign of respect whenever one gets into close proximity to them.