Royal visit to Kariokor cemetery spotlights Non-Commemoration Programme

At CWGC’s Kariokor War Cemetery Their Majesties joined British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance before presenting World War II veterans with replacement campaign medals. The King and Queen then heard how we are working hand in hand with local communities and stakeholders to ensure all those supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are properly commemorated.

The Royal visit comes as the Non-Commemoration Programme (NCP) continues its work in Kenya to right historic wrongs that meant many Kenyan and African service personnel were not properly commemorated after the First World War.  

Today, we work by, through and with communities in countries to establish commemorative projects that deliver for local communities and their needs. At Kariokor War Cemetery, the King and Queen heard from community Elders, youth, and women’s groups from the Kariokor area on how a memorial and community hub will benefit them. Images to help visualise this combined approach to commemoration were shared with Their Majesties.  

Director General of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “Sadly, relatively few people are aware of the importance of the First and Second World War campaigns in Africa, nor of the huge contribution made by Kenyans who lost their lives in service. We are honoured to include our Kariokor War Cemetery in the Royal Visit to Kenya and to take this opportunity to share with Their Majesties the hugely significant work we and our partners in Kenya have undertaken to ensure ALL those who served the Commonwealth in two World Wars are remembered. We believe, working with the local community it is fitting to dedicate a respectful, proud memorial space here – one that will both serve the memory of those who died, and benefit the local community in the future.”

The name Kariokor originates from district’s historical ties to the Nairobi Carrier Corps, a local labour force recruited by the British Imperial forces to support military operations during the East Africa campaign of the First World War. Exact figures and names of personnel were thought to be lost, but recent collaborative research by the NCP has uncovered thousands of names which will be checked on records and commemorated for the future through this programme, the most important piece of work delivered by the Commission since the Second World War.