1.
GV President Kenyatta arrives at parade ground in Landrover (2 shots)
0.11

2.
CV Cameraman
0.13

3.
LV Kenyatta up steps & greeted by Obote
0.24

4.
SV Archbishops bless New Colours (2 shots)
0.32

5.
LV Kenyatta presents new Colours (3 shots)
0.50

6.
SCU Kenyatta returns to dais
0.56

7.
SV Troops at attention
0.58

8.
LV VIPs at start of slow march
1.01

9.
LV Colours trooped at slow time (2 shots)
1.28

10.
LV Both Presidents watch parade
1.30

11.
GV Troops give cheers for President
1.36

12.
GV Kenyatta and Obote shake hands & crowd applaud
1.47



Initials BB/AW/SGM/2043 BB/AW/SGM/2059



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Kenya's Independence Day celebrations, staged on Saturday (Dec 12) in Nairobi, were the biggest ever since Kenya attained independence seven years ago. President Jomo Kenyatta's chief guest of honour at the celebrations was President Milton Obote of Uganda.

Celebrations took place throughout the entire nation, but none equalled the major events which happened in the capital city.

Jamhuri Day, as it is called by Kenyans, was highlighted by the presentation of presidential and Regimental Colours to officers of the 7th Battalion Kenya Army. The presentation was made by President Kenyatta, who is also commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The ceremony took place at Jamhuri Park.

Before the actual presentation of the Colours the Archbishop of Kenya and Rev. Festus Olang, and the Archbishops of Nairobi, Rev. Otunga, the Chief Kadhi of Kenya and senior chaplains of the Armed Forces, read prayers of consecration.

President Obote watched the moving ceremony from the large dais, which also served as a viewpoint for the many V.I.P. guests of the Kenyan President and Government.

Following the presentation of Colours, the ultra-smart troops paraded past the dais in both quick and slow time.

When the formal parading was over the soldiers gave three rousing cheers for their President.

In his speech marking the 7th anniversary of his country's independence, President Kenyatta said: "We can all feel proud of how much has been done in so short a time. The Government and people, working together, have built a nation of the pillars of political stability and growing economic strength."