Joined the people of Madagascar for the country's 66th Independence Day celebrations at Barea Stadium in Antananarivo. Kenya identifies with Madagascar's journey to independence. Our nations are united by a shared history of resistance to colonial rule and by the determination of our people to shape their own destiny. That shared experience continues to define our commitment to sovereignty, unity, and the conviction that Africa's future will be built through partnership among its nations. Today, we celebrate the resilience of its people and the steady progress they have made in building a stronger, more prosperous nation. This anniversary honours not only the hard won freedom of the past, but also the continued pursuit of progress, prosperity, and a better future for all. We value our longstanding friendship with Madagascar and remain committed to deepening our partnership for the benefit of our people. Together, we will expand trade and investment, strengthen maritime cooperation, improve connectivity, and unlock the immense potential of the Indian Ocean as a gateway for commerce, innovation, and shared prosperity.(William Samoei Ruto, PhD)