Independence Day in Nakuru to Unite South Sudanese Diaspora in Kenya

(NAKURU) – The South Sudanese community in Nakuru County, Kenya, is preparing to celebrate the 14th anniversary of the Republic of South Sudan’s Independence on Wednesday, 9th July 2025.

The event is expected to bring together South Sudanese citizens, cultural groups and local leaders in honour of the country’s journey since gaining independence in 2011.

In recognition of the occasion, the community has extended an official invitation to H.E. Ambassador Anthony Kon, the Head of Mission at the Embassy of South Sudan in Kenya, to attend the ceremony as the Guest of Honour. Ambassador Kon has confirmed his attendance and will travel to Nakuru on Tuesday, 8th July 2025, along with an official delegation from the South Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi.

The ambassador’s visit will begin with a courtesy call on the Governor of Nakuru County. It will be followed by a joint prayer service with members of the South Sudanese community and separate consultative meetings with student representatives and community leaders.

According to the Nairobi embassy, these engagements aim to strengthen dialogue between the embassy and South Sudanese citizens in the diaspora, while also addressing the community’s shared concerns.

The main celebration will take place on 9th July at Lohana Hall in Nakuru between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The event will feature cultural performances from several South Sudanese ethnic groups including the Lake State, Ruweng, Twic Mayardit, Equatoria, Tonj and Nuer communities. Youth groups such as Duk Hower Girls and cultural leaders from various regions are also expected to attend.

The Embassy has praised the Nakuru community for their initiative in organising the celebration, describing it as a sign of unity, patriotism and continued commitment to the values of peace and nation building.

The Independence Day of South Sudan is marked each year on 9th July, following the 2011 declaration of independence from Sudan. In Kenya, where thousands of South Sudanese citizens reside, such commemorations also offer a space to promote diaspora engagement and encourage cooperation between South Sudan’s missions abroad and host communities.

Event Summary