On June 23, 2025, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Ms. Roselinda Soipan Tuya jointly unveiled the IndiaAfrica Commemorative Pillar in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The pillar commemorates the sacrifices of Indian and African soldiers who died in East Africa during World War I. The initiative was conceived by the High Commission of India in Kenya and funded by the Indian Ministry of Defence, with collaboration from the Kenya Defence Forces and Taita Taveta County officials. The pillar symbolizes the shared military history of India and Kenya and reinforces their growing defense partnership and commitment to peace and global security. The event was attended by senior military leaders, dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic community.
Key Entities Referenced
Sanjay Seth: Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence) of India.
Republic of Kenya: A country in East Africa.
Roselinda Soipan Tuya: Cabinet Secretary for Defence of the Republic of Kenya.
IndiaAfrica Commemorative Pillar: A monument unveiled at Mile 27, Taita Taveta County, Kenya, commemorating Indian and African soldiers.
Mile 27, Taita Taveta County, Kenya: Location where the IndiaAfrica Commemorative Pillar was unveiled in Kenya.
World War I: A global conflict during which Indian and African soldiers fought in the East African theatre.
High Commission of India in Kenya: The diplomatic mission of India in Kenya, which conceived the IndiaAfrica Commemorative Pillar initiative.
Ministry of Defence, Government of India: The Indian government ministry that provided financial support for the IndiaAfrica Commemorative Pillar project.
Kenya Defence Forces: The military forces of Kenya, which coordinated with the project's execution.
IndiaKenya defence partnership: Bilateral cooperation between India and Kenya in the area of defence.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and his
Kenyan counterpart unveil the joint India-Africa
Commemorative Pillar
Posted On: 23 JUN 2025 7:54PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth and the Cabinet Secretary for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, Ms.
Roselinda Soipan Tuya, EGH, jointly unveiled the India-Africa Commemorative Pillar at Mile 27, Taita
Taveta County, Kenya, on June 23, 2025. The ceremony honoured the valour and supreme sacrifice of the
unknown Indian and African soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I in the East African
theatre.
This initiative was conceived by the High Commission of India in Kenya and brought to fruition with
financial support from the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The project was executed in close
coordination with the Kenya Defence Forces and officials of Taita Taveta County.
The pillar not only honours the memory of the fallen but also stands as a testament to the rich and intertwined
military history of the two nations. This initiative further strengthens the robust and growing India-Kenya
defence partnership, founded on mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to peace and
global security.
The event was graced by senior leadership from the Kenya Defence Forces, dignitaries from Taita Taveta
County, the Indian Ministry of Defence delegation, and members of the diplomatic and military community.****
VK/SR/SS
(Release ID: 2139024)