King Charles, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken send messages to Kenya on 60th Jamhuri Day

In a statement on Tuesday, King Charles III lauded Kenyans and President William Ruto for marking its 60th year as a free state and for the fruitful partnerships Kenya has had with the United Kingdom for years.

He further expressed optimism that the partnerships will continue to be fostered in future years to attain prosperity.

The king further thanked the nation for the warm hospitality he received during his visit in November

"The visit demonstrated the vital importance of the UK-Kenya partnership and our ambitions to strengthen it yet further in the months and years to come," he said.

Antony Blinken, in a separate statement, commended Kenya for the continued partnership they have had with the United States.

He also affirmed that the US is committed to maintaining the bilateral partnerships with Kenya and further promote peace, prosperity, and security in the region 

"We look to forward to continuing to deepen our close economic partnership for the benefit of Kenyans and Americans alike," he said.

"The people of Kenya can continue to count on the United States as a dedicated friend as we address our shared challenges."

Under Jomo Kenyatta's leadership, Kenya's founding father, the British colonial government handed over power to Kenya in 1963, December 12 and the day has since been marked as Jamhuri Day.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo says that this year's celebration, held at Uhuru Gardens, is set to be attended by 30,000.

Meanwhile, other Kenyans are also having parallel celebrations in their respective counties.