President John Dramani Mahama has arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to serve as the Chief Guest at Kenya’s 62nd Independence Day celebration.
His visit follows an official invitation from President William Samoei Ruto, who earlier this year attended President Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony at the Black Star Square on January 7, 2025, alongside several African leaders.
Kenya’s Independence Day, known as Jamhuri, the Swahili word for “republic”, marks the country’s transition from colonial rule to nationhood on December 12, 1963, coming six months and 11 days after Madaraka Day, which commemorates the attainment of internal self-governance.
The nation formally became a republic a year later, on December 12, 1964, with Jomo Kenyatta sworn in as the first president after serving as prime minister.
President Mahama was received shortly after midnight by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, together with other senior government officials. He touched down in the company of Executive Secretary Callistus Mahama and Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Stanislav Xoese Dogbe.
This year’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebration will be held at Nyayo Stadium, spotlighting Kenya’s history, tourism, wildlife, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sectors as key pillars of national development.
President Mahama is also expected to hold bilateral talks with President Ruto on key regional development. At Mahama’s inauguration in Accra, President Ruto emphasized that Kenya’s engagement with Ghana will be driven by inclusive dialogue and a shared commitment to Africa’s transformation.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to reform the African Union, strengthen peace and security mechanisms, and accelerate continental integration, particularly to boost private-sector participation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further underscored that the implementation of the Tripartite Free Trade Area, bringing together COMESA, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will help unlock a unified market of more than 700 million people, positioning the continent for stronger economic collaboration and growth.
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