New Festival and Memorial Project Launched to Honour African WWI Heroes
In a significant cultural and historical initiative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Tsavo Heritage Foundation and the Sarova Group, have unveiled the World War I Memorialization Project alongside the Kariakor Festival.
The launch comes ahead of the larger World War I Africa Festival scheduled for November, aiming to pay tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of African soldiers during the Great War.
The project seeks to commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of the Carrier Corps and other African participants who played crucial roles in the East African Campaign.
It also includes plans to establish a dedicated museum and promote environmental restoration efforts in the Taita region, linking history with community development and ecological sustainability.
Speaking at the launch event, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’oei, highlighted the importance of restoring Africa’s rightful place in global historical narratives.
He emphasized that the First World War was not just a European conflict but one that deeply involved African communities who served as porters, fighters, and more.
“We want to ensure restorative justice through a series of events such as festivals, sports tournaments, and environmental projects,” Dr. Sing’oei said.
“Many Africans died or suffered greatly, yet their stories have been largely forgotten, so this initiative is about recognizing their courage and contributions,” he added.
The program, coordinated by the Life Club in partnership with the State Department for Foreign Affairs, Tsavo Heritage Foundation, Sarova Hotels, Saracen Media, and Marketing Africa, will feature activities including tree planting, a commemorative marathon, community dialogues, and the creation of a museum that preserves this vital history.
Luis Gabriel Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stressed the importance of remembering the past to build a better future.
“Understanding our history is essential, because without acknowledging our painful colonial past, we cannot fully grasp the present or envision a united future,” he said.
Sarova Hotels’ Managing Director, Saveer Vohra, reaffirmed the hotel’s long-standing commitment to supporting the cause, which has spanned over 15 years.
The Tsavo Heritage Foundation called on corporate partners to step up their support, particularly for the museum’s construction and the establishment of an advanced tree nursery aimed at restoring the local environment.
The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Bernard Waliaula, Ambassador Guo Haiyan of China, Belgium Ambassador Peter Maddens, Rwanda’s Ambassador Ernest Rwamucyo, and Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of Nation Media Group.
Held at Nairobi’s Sarova Stanley Hotel, the event marked the start of what organizers describe as a “Decade of Restorative Justice” running through 2034.
The Kariakor Festival, named after the Carrier Corps, the African porters who carried supplies and endured great hardship during WWI, is scheduled for November in Taita Taveta County.
It aims to foster remembrance, environmental stewardship, and national pride through its various programs.
ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org