The diplomatic activities of the Sovereign Order of Malta are closely linked to its humanitarian mission: the presence of accredited diplomatic missions in more than 100 countries of the world are completely aligned with the humanitarian activities of the Order.

The Diplomatic duties of the Embassy of the Order of Malta to the Republic of Kenya have been vibrant for many years, our Mission is well established and our small team, popular in the diplomatic community. The Charge d’Affaires having attended between 60-100 events every year for the past 10 years.

Various United Nations events and multiple National Days, including Kenyas Jamhuri Day, have been celebrated in recent months.

In date Order

7^th Oct – Indonesian National Day – to celebrate the 77^th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia HE Dr Mohammad Hery Saripudin hosted a wonderful and well attended event at his Residence. Traditional dancers and local cuisine marked what was a great celebration.

24^th – 27^th Oct –running over 4 days the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP)/CPR/ASC) 9^th annual meeting of the subcommittee of the committee of the permanent representative of UNEP was held at the United Nations head office in Gigiri, Nairobi Kenya. The environment and famine walk hand in hand and form part of what is being called the triple planetary crisis.

The Order of Malta, as a Permanent Observer State, was well represented for the duration of these very interesting and productive meetings.

14^th Nov– Remembrance Sunday, Commonwealth War Graves Ngong Road Nairobi. Every year, on or around the 11^th of November, crowds gather at the War Graves on Ngong Road to pray for the fallen soldiers, from all wars and from whichever country. The procession is led by religious leaders from the worlds Major Faiths.

Several Order of Malta Companions of Kenya, namely John Mohoho, Kevin Rodrigues and Wayne Hennessey- Barrett privately contributed to have the campaign medals replaced and mounted for Kenya veterans who fought for the British in World War II.

The youngest veteran was 102 and the eldest 116 years old. Pictured below is Pvt Eusebio Mbuiki Baikunyua, 106 years old, a recipient of 5 Campaign medals which he is wearing. The British Deputy High Commissioner HE Josephine Gauld and the British High Commission Defence Advisor Brigadier, Ronnie Westerman, presented the medals to 5 living recipients, 5 widows of veterans and 7 next of Kin to deceased veterans, at an event held at the Defence Advisors Residence in Nairobi.

16^th Nov – the United Nations UNDP. This was the Sixth meeting of the ad hoc working group on stakeholder engagement policy of the executive board. A low key event held at UNON.

16^th Nov – the United Nations UNDP. This was the Sixth meeting of the ad hoc working group on stakeholder engagement policy of the executive board. A low key event held at UNON.

30^th Nov – the High Commissioner for Barbados celebrated their 56^th Anniversary of Independence in true Caribbean style.

The new High Commissioner William McDonald, shares the Orders Charism and has, via his Rotary, delivered 7000 food parcels to the needy.

1^st Dec United Arab Emirates National Day – a wonderful evening at the Windsor Golf Club in Nairobi was hosted by the United Arab Emirates to celebrate their 51^st National Day. They laid on a very well decorated marquee and treated their guests to a sit down dinner, followed by a magnificent fireworks display to end the evening. The Charge d’Affaires speech was centred on the humanitarian ethos of the UAE and Islam, that being one the five pillars of Islam, charity.

2^nd Dec – on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Ambassador HE Ms Sasarit Tangulrat held a wonderful event at the Serena Hotel, in downtown Nairobi. The traditional dancers roamed amongst the assembled guests, entertaining them and of course the evening was not complete without Thai food being served.

7^th Dec – The Embassy of Palestine held an event at the Sarit Centre Cinema Complex, showing of a Palestinian made film called the Wanted 18, an animated documentary about the efforts of mainly Christian community in Beit Sahour, to obtain economic freedom from Isreal.

8^th Dec – United Nations 160^th Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives was chaired by H.E. Mr. Pirkka Tapiola, of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP. He Chaired the meeting very well, with some very difficult and sensitive matters arising out of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

12^th Dec – Jamhuri Day Celebrations – The Nyaya Stadium was the venue for the 59^th year celebration of Kenyan Independence. Traditional dancers, Kenyan Air Force fly past, military parades and bands marked the day, followed by a wonderful Presidential speech by HE the President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. William Samoei Ruto, was followed by a superb lunch for Diplomatic Corps and VIP guests, totalling 3000 people at State House, a memorable day for Kenya.

The President declared that he would tackle inflation, distribute 300, 000 tones of fertilizers to the farmers and ensure that no one went hungry. The sick and the poor were central to his message

The President went around the line of assembled diplomats, shaking hands and passing on Jamhuri and Christmas greetings. The heavens opened and rain poured down on the event once the guests were seated, however as we say in Africa, ‘Rain is a Blessing’.