Kenya Army Band (original) (raw)

The Kenya Army Band is the primary military musical unit in the Kenya Army and the Kenya Defence Forces. The band was founded shortly after Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 as the successor the Band of King's African Rifles of East Africa (formed in 1930). It is present at all national celebrations including Jamhuri Day, Heroes' Day and Remembrance Day. All members of the band are aged between 18–26 at the time of enlistment with the band and it takes 5 years before a musician is qualified to perform with the band, which is currently based out of the Lang'ata Army Barracks near Nairobi. The barracks are also home to another of the band's institutions, the Kenya Army School of Music.