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Kenya marked this year’s Jamhuri Day with a significant milestone in its military history as Wajir Air Base (WAB) was officially recognized as a fully-fledged military installation. President William Ruto presided over the event at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
Wajir Air Base’s story began nearly five decades ago, on February 25, 1974, with the establishment of the Air Defence Control Unit (ADCU). This unit was tasked with protecting Kenya’s airspace, an essential role during a time of increasing regional tensions. By the end of that year, the unit successfully passed its first readiness test, proving its ability to respond to aerial threats.
Over time, WAB grew in importance, undergoing several transformations to meet Kenya’s defense needs. In 2017, it evolved into the Air Defence Regiment (ADR), solidifying its role as a key player in national security. For years, it also served as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Kenya Air Force’s elite Rapid Deployment Squadron, a unit specializing in rescue missions and other high-stakes operations.
The official recognition of WAB as a full military base now places it on the same level as Kenya’s other major airbases, such as Laikipia in Nanyuki and Moi Air Base in Eastleigh. This new status grants WAB operational independence, including control over its budget and decisions.
At the heart of the Jamhuri Day celebration was the “trooping of the colours,” a military tradition that dates back to 17th-century England. The ceremony involves presenting a unit with its own flag, or “colours,” which symbolizes its identity, legacy, and achievements. Losing this flag, a rare and symbolic misstep, could lead to the unit’s disbandment, making it an event of great pride and responsibility.
The colours were presented to WAB in a formal and prestigious ceremony. Brigadier Stephen Sane, who commands the base, received the flag alongside senior officers, marking a new chapter for the base and its personnel.
This recognition elevates WAB from a supporting role to a fully autonomous military base. It will now oversee its own operations, manage its resources, and play a more significant role in Kenya’s security efforts. Located in northern Kenya, WAB’s strategic position is critical for monitoring airspace and responding to security challenges in the region.
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