On December 12, Kenya joyously celebrated Jamhuri Day, marking its 61st anniversary of independence and the establishment of the republic.
At the historic Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, President Ruto led the festivities, alongside chief guest President Adama Barrow of the Gambia.
The day's vibrant celebrations included cultural performances, captivating military parades, and community gatherings reflecting the theme of "Jobs, Labor, Migration, Entertainment, and Entrepreneurship."
Adding to the national pride, Kenya’s flag was proudly raised on Mount Everest, symbolizing the enduring spirit and resilience of the Kenyan people.
The Russian Embassy warmly extended its best wishes to all Kenyans in celebration of Jamhuri Day.
"On this momentous day in Kenya's history, we admire the courage of the Kenyan people and pay tribute to the freedom fighters who paved the way to Kenya's prosperous future!" it wrote.
Ruto Highlights Achievements and Admits Challenges on Jamhuri Day
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, President William Ruto highlighted his administration's strides in job creation while acknowledging that it has not fully met its promises to Kenyans.
“I readily concede that we are yet to reach the destination of our aspirations because we have not yet delivered fully on all our commitments,” he admitted.
Despite this, he maintained that significant progress has been made through reforms aimed at improving livelihoods.
Ruto outlined his government's achievements in creating international job opportunities for Kenyans, with 243,000 workers already deployed abroad. In the last two months alone, 12,000 Kenyans have secured jobs in healthcare, agriculture, and construction. He referenced bilateral agreements with seven countries and ongoing negotiations with 13 others, aiming to export up to two million skilled workers.
The president emphasized that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda remains central to his administration’s vision. He expressed optimism about upcoming initiatives, including affordable housing and social health insurance reforms. Addressing critics of the labor mobility program, he defended it as a strategy to empower youth and connect them with opportunities while ensuring participation remains voluntary.
Ruto also called on Kenyans to focus on unity and facts in nation-building, dismissing what he termed “reckless negativity.” He urged all citizens, including critics, to work collaboratively towards realizing the country’s aspirations.
“When we all unite, inspired by a shared aspiration, to undertake nation-building, we shall make our nation great,” he said, reiterating his commitment to the transformative agenda that he believes will cure the challenges Kenyans face.