Trooping of the Colours: What is it?

Before long and short speeches to mark Jamhuri Day were read at Uhuru Gardens, a new battalion was officially incorporated to the Kenya Defence Forces.

The 19th Kenya Rifles Battalion marked its final milestone of formation when Commander-in-Chief Uhuru Kenyatta presented it with the presidential and regimental colours.

The battalion, a unit of the 6th Infantry Brigade, was formed on January 28, 2011. 

It has grown in numerical strength and capabilities and today is amongst those that have defended Kenya against Al-Shabaab terror network under the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) between January 2020 and March 2021.

The presentation of two colours to the battalion symbolises the deep sense of respect and trust accorded to a unit in recognition of the gallant deeds performed by its troops during war and peace efforts.

The presidential colour matches that of the nation’s flag but the regimental colour is distinct to each unit, with grey being the official colour of the 19th KR Battalion.

Before the colours were officially presented to the colour officers, a short inter-religious consecration service was held.

During the service, flags that had been placed symbolically on a set of drums were blessed, sprinkled with holy water and incense by Bishop Selasius Mugambi of Meru Catholic Diocese.

In turns, the presiding religious leaders then prayed for the Commander-In-Chief, the battalion and its troops.

Shortly after, President Kenyatta, donning Kenya Army’s red-tunic ceremonial outfit, presented the two colours to the colour officers — Lt Siyad Abdullahi (presidential colour) and Lt Kelvin Kimani (regimental colour).

With the two colours in their possession, the two officers then led the regiment’s troops in a quick parade of the flags, a military ceremony known as “Trooping of the Colours”. 

During this exercise, every soldier on parade gets a close view of the colour as it passes whilst paying the highest possible honours by presenting arms in salute. 

Traditionally, the two colours are handled with utmost respect and are saluted as a sign of respect whenever disciplined officers get into close proximity to them. 

Each is carried by a commissioned officer and escorted by two armed senior non-commissioned officers. A loss of the colour would lead to disbandment of the unit.

The colours should, however, not be confused with the unit flag which do not command the same respect.

The honour of "Trooping of the Colour" is a very significant event for a unit and it is recorded in the unit’s history.

The practice of “Trooping the Colours” originated from the 17th century England whereby the Queen’s Colour, a symbol of sovereignty, would be showcased in an elaborate ceremony.

After independence, the presidential and regimental colours replaced those of the Queen.

The colours symbolise the spirit of the regiment for they bear the battle honours and badges granted to it in commemoration of gallant deeds performed by its troops.

In his speech, President Kenyatta acknowledged the huge sacrifice paid by KDF soldiers in defence of the country.

“We must celebrate our defence forces because when they go into war in defence of our borders, they know too well that they will either return hoisting our national flag; or return wrapped in our national flag. This takes boldness and dedication,” the president said.

Today, the 19th KR Brigade is based in Nyali Barracks, which was originally a “Rest and Recuperation” camp for the white soldiers during World War II.

The camp was used by the white soldiers as a venue to “cool down” and “erase” war memories and related stress before being redeployed.

In September, the president also presided over a similar event in the Magogoni area of Lamu County where the Kenya Naval Base in Manda Bay was presented with the presidential and regiment colours.

The base has played a key role in the launch of some of the major operations that the KDF has executed in Lamu, neighbouring regions and across the border— including Operation Sledge Hammer.

It also hosts a Forward Operating Location for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Djibouti which conducts counter violent extremism operations in the region.

[email protected]