British govt honors 19 Kenyan World War II veterans

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed the decoration of the veterans by UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott at a ceremony on Tuesday

They were awarded The Veterans Badge in recognition of their services during the war

The British government has honored 19 Kenyan veterans who fought in World War II with The Veterans Badge.

The veterans were decorated by UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott at a ceremony on Tuesday, witnessed by Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Veterans Badge is a commemorative medal awarded to British and Commonwealth veterans who served during the Second World War.

The badge was introduced in 2019 to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.

In a statement, the British High Commission in Kenya said the veterans were honored for their "bravery and sacrifice" during the war.

"These veterans played a vital role in the Allied victory, and we are deeply grateful for their service," the statement said.

Kenya was a British colony during World War II, and many Kenyans served in the British armed forces.

The Kenyan veterans who were honored on Tuesday served in various roles, including infantry, artillery, and the Royal Air Force.

One of the veterans, 96-year-old Joseph Njoroge, said he was "very happy" to receive the badge.

"I am proud of what I did during the war," he said.

Another veteran, 94-year-old James Karanja, said he was "honored" to be recognized for his service.

"I am grateful to the British government for this award," he said.

The British government has now awarded The Veterans Badge to over 200,000 veterans worldwide.

The badge is a fitting tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in World War II.