The Kenya High Commission in Rwanda, in collaboration with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, hosted a vibrant Madaraka Day and Cultural Day celebration at Kigali Paramount Hotel on 1st June 2026, bringing together members of the Kenyan diaspora, diplomats, corporate leaders, government officials, and friends of Kenya in a colorful showcase of culture, unity, and regional cooperation.
The event, held to commemorate Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule and to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, was graced by the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, whose presence elevated the occasion as a recognition of the deep cultural ties between Rwanda and Kenya. In his address, Ambassador Robert Masozera, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a foundation for regional unity and sustainable development, setting an inspiring tone for the entire celebration.
The Kenya High Commissioner to Rwanda, H.E. Ambassador Janet Mwawasi Oben, presided over the event alongside distinguished guests from various diplomatic missions including Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. The gathering of ambassadors was commemorated in a group photograph, capturing the spirit of regional solidarity and diplomatic goodwill that defined the celebration.
In her welcoming remarks, H.E. Ambassador Janet Mwawasi Oben extended a warm welcome to the Guest of Honour, Ambassador Robert Masozera, Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, members of the diplomatic corps, corporate leaders, and the Kenyan diaspora in attendance. She described their presence at Kigali Paramount Hotel as a testament to the enduring friendship between Kenya and Rwanda and to the spirit of African solidarity that continues to unite the region. The Ambassador expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all guests for honouring the invitation and for making the occasion truly memorable. In her remarks, H.E. Ambassador Janet Mwawasi Oben commended the Kenyan community in Rwanda for their continued contribution to bilateral relations and encouraged greater collaboration among East African citizens, institutions, and businesses.
She also took a moment to reflect on the significance of the day, reminding guests of the deeper meaning behind the celebration. “Madaraka Day, celebrated every 1st of June, marks the historic moment in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-governance, a pivotal milestone on the path to full independence,” she said. “The word madaraka means responsibility in Swahili, reminding us that freedom is not merely a gift but a duty, a call to serve, to build, and to uplift our people and our nation. Celebrating here in Kigali, surrounded by friends, partners, and fellow East Africans, reaffirms that the values of self-determination, unity, and shared progress that inspired Kenya’s founding generation continue to guide us to this day.”
Representing the Kenyan community in Rwanda, Mr. Wycliffe Aganda, Chairperson of the Association of Kenyans in Rwanda (AKR) and a Lecturer at MKU, delivered remarks highlighting the important role played by the diaspora in fostering stronger ties between Kenya and Rwanda. Mr. Frankline Nyakundi, representing the AKR Corporate Wing, also spoke on the contribution of Kenyan businesses to economic growth and regional integration.
A notable highlight of the event was the presence of leaders and staff from the Mount Kigali University (MKU) ecosystem. Mount Kigali University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kimemia, addressed guests and showcased the University’s academic programmes and commitment to producing competent graduates equipped to meet the needs of the regional and global workforce. He also highlighted the strong relationship between Mount Kigali University and Kigali Paramount Hotel, demonstrating how strategic partnerships between academia and industry create meaningful opportunities for student learning, professional exposure, internships, and career development.
Ms. Ruth Kitonyi, Deputy Director, State Department for Diaspora Affairs, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the Kenyan government’s commitment to engaging and supporting Kenyans living abroad. She encouraged members of the diaspora to continue contributing to national development while strengthening connections with fellow East Africans across the region.
Welcoming guests to the facility, Mr. Simon Muhoro, General Manager of Kigali Paramount Hotel, extended a warm welcome to the Kenyan diaspora, diplomatic guests, and all friends of Kenya in attendance. He expressed appreciation to the Kenya High Commission and the State Department for Diaspora Affairs for selecting the hotel as the venue for the prestigious celebration. He emphasized the hotel’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality experiences and serving as a hub for regional engagement and cultural exchange. The programme featured presentations and remarks from key stakeholders, including representatives from the Kenya High Commission, the Central Bank of Kenya, Centum Investment Company, the Kenyan corporate community in Rwanda, and the Association of Kenyans in Rwanda (AKR).
Members of MKU staff also attended the celebrations, reflecting the University’s commitment to engaging with diplomatic missions, industry leaders, and regional communities in support of its vision of academic excellence, innovation, and international collaboration. The Group Human Resource representative further reinforced the importance of industry-academia partnerships in preparing graduates for successful careers and promoting workforce readiness.
The successful hosting of the event at Kigali Paramount Hotel further demonstrated the facility’s growing reputation as a preferred venue for high-profile diplomatic, cultural, and regional engagements. As an integral part of the Mount Kigali University ecosystem, Kigali Paramount Hotel continues to provide a platform where education, hospitality, culture, and community engagement converge to create lasting impact.
The Madaraka Day and Cultural Day celebrations served not only as a commemoration of a significant milestone in Kenya’s history but also as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between Kenya and Rwanda, united by a shared commitment to cultural appreciation, regional cooperation, and sustainable development
Guests were treated to a rich cultural experience featuring traditional African attire, cultural exhibitions, networking sessions, and captivating performances by the renowned Kayamba Africa cultural troupe, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of African heritage.
