The commemoration of the 62nd edition of Jamhuri Day has begun to take shape with the arrival of top government officials and members of the diplomatic corps at Nyayo National Stadium.

Members of the diplomatic corps, Principal Secretaries, and politicians were among the early arrivals at the stadium several hours before 9:00 a.m.

Other senior government officials already at the venue include National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, who serves as the head of Presidential Special Programmes and Creative Economy in the government.

Red-plated vehicles ferrying the diplomatic corps also streamed into the venue minutes before 9:00 a.m. as the stadium filled up for the annual celebration marking Kenya’s attainment of independence in 1963.

Among the international dignitaries attending the event is the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who is the chief guest.

President Mahama arrived in Kenya on Thursday, December 11, 2025, via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for the celebrations.

He was received by a high-level delegation led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, among others.

“His visit, at the invitation of H.E. President @WilliamRuto, underscores the strong ties between Kenya and Ghana as we prepare for this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium,” Health CS Aden Duale said in a statement posted on his X account.

Kenya is marking the national holiday with President William Ruto expected to preside over the celebrations. This year’s event, themed “Tourism, Wildlife & MICE”, highlights Kenya’s identity, prosperity, and global standing as a leading tourism hub.

The celebrations come as Kenyans reflect on the gains made in 67 years of independence and self-actualisation since breaking free from the yoke of colonial rule.

Security has been beefed up at the venue, with the presidential pavilion entrance seeing a heavy contingent of police officers ahead of President Ruto’s arrival.