President William Ruto joined other Kenyans Thursday for the Jamhuri Day celebrations, an event that saw Wajir Air Base (WAB) officially recognised as a fully-fledged military base.
The prestigious ceremony was conducted in line with the military traditions, marking a significant milestone in its history. President William Ruto presided over the event at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
What does it mean?
The consecration, presentation, and trooping the colours is a significant military ceremony that symbolises honor, pride, and the enduring spirit of a regiment.
It is held to commemorate the courageous actions and gallant deeds of troops while also marking a unit’s establishment, history, and its continued service to the nation.
During such a ceremony, a regiment or military base is presented with its own distinct flag, known as the "colours".
The flag represents its unique identity and legacy and losing it could lead to the unit or base getting disbanded.
A regiment is a large military unit typically composed of several battalions, and it is usually commanded by a colonel or a similar-ranking officer. Brigadier Stephen Sane currently commands the base.
Both colours are displayed during ceremonies involving General Officers, who are accorded Half Guard parades during courtesy visits.
They are carried by a commissioned officer and escorted by two armed senior non-commissioned officers.
This recognition now elevates the WAB to the ranks of fully formed military airbases like Laikipia in Nanyuki and Moi Air Base Eastleigh.
This means it will now have operational autonomy, including an independent budget.
WAB’s history dates back to February 25, 1974, with the establishment of the Air Defence Control Unit (ADCU), which was tasked with defending the national airspace.
In December 1974, the unit completed its first readiness test for combating air threats.
Over time, through reorganisation and modernisation, the unit evolved into an Air Defence Regiment (ADR) on August 29, 2017.
WAB has been a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Kenya Air Force’s (KAF) Rapid Deployment Squadron, a special forces unit within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The unit is primarily tasked with the recovery of downed airmen in hostile territory. It is also capable of carrying out other specially assigned missions.
“Trooping the Colour” originated in 17th century in England, where the Queen’s Colour, a symbol of sovereignty, was showcased in elaborate ceremonies.
