Celebrating Kenya Independence Day 2025
On 12 December 2025, Sacoma sponsored and joined the Kenya Independence Day celebrations at Barking Town Hall, alongside the Kenya High Commission, the local Kenyan community and the borough that has become our home.
Key takeaways
- Sacoma sponsored the celebrations and showcased its ready-to-retail food products.
- A Sacoma Food School student baked the cake that took centre stage.
- Our CEO, Perez Ochieng, spoke about healthier food, two-way trade and low-carbon innovation in the borough.
- The High Commission challenged the diaspora to contribute to both the UK and Kenyan economies, and to promote Kenya for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
A proud day for Kenya, and for the borough
Sacoma Global Ltd was honoured to sponsor and take part in the Kenya Independence Day celebrations at Barking Town Hall. The event was graced by the Kenya High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Catherine Karemu, and the Deputy High Commissioner, Amb. Dr. Joseph Warui.
It was a chance to show who we are, what we do, and some of the ready-to-retail food products we are proud to have developed.
A cake made by our Food School
A highlight of the day was a stunning cake baked by one of our Sacoma Food School students. Moments like this are why we keep nurturing food entrepreneurs and giving ideas a real route to market.
We sponsored
Supporting the community's celebration of Jamhuri Day.
We showcased
Our ready-to-retail products, built from Kenyan ingredients.
We spoke
Our CEO shared why this work matters, here and in Kenya.
"This day is not just symbolic"
"Culture in the borough is evolving, and we are proud to be part of that transformation. By using Kenyan ingredients to make wholesome foods, we are responding to serious challenges in the borough, including obesity and the prevalence of highly processed foods that contribute to disease and even death. A recent report highlighted that some of the highest causes of illness here are food-related.
I am proud that as Kenyans, we have come so far to establish our business here and transfer knowledge to new entrepreneurs. Together, we are developing wholesome, innovative foods that respond directly to these issues.
We see ourselves not just as Kenyans in the borough, but as people who make trade happen. Through import and export, we have created a two-way bridge for products, and we've been welcomed to test our ideas.
The borough has embraced some of our indigenous foods, and as we influence food culture and introduce healthier alternatives, we are grateful for the support we have received.
This day is not just symbolic. It is a true demonstration of the work taking place right here in the borough. I encourage the borough leadership to continue recognising that the indigenous knowledge and skills we bring are helping shape a new culture that benefits all communities. We are introducing new visions for talent, creating new food products, and contributing research in agriculture, carbon emissions reduction, and sustainable practices.
I am proud that we are among the early pioneers piloting low-carbon food products, measuring and working to reduce their footprint, and that much of this work is taking shape right here in the borough.
I extend my appreciation to Councillor Kang'ethe for her continuous support, linking us with business communities, schools, and colleges. Together, we are advancing research, waste management solutions, and promoting localised, healthy food systems that benefit both the people and the planet.
As a Kenyan, I am deeply proud and grateful to stand here today. With resilience, we have shown that our ideas and visions can take shape for the benefit of the borough, the community, Kenya, and the world. Thank you for giving us this opportunity."
Messages from the High Commission
H.E. Catherine Karemu
The High Commissioner reminded the diaspora to use their privileged position to contribute to both the UK and Kenyan economies, in ways that are meaningful and balanced.
That challenge goes to the heart of our mission: building trade, skills and products that benefit both countries.
Amb. Dr. Joseph Warui
The Deputy High Commissioner championed Kenya's tourism agenda through the MICE framework, encouraging everyone to promote Kenya as a leading destination for international business events.
As Sacoma, we are excited to work with partners to champion this vision in our own way, bringing people, ideas and events back to Kenya.
Got a food idea? Join our Food School
At the event we invited Kenyans in the diaspora and back home with a food concept or an early-stage product to join the Sacoma Food School. Through our Ready to Retail Programme, we help turn ideas into high-quality products that are ready for the shelf.
Something great is on the horizon
Stay tuned
We are working with key stakeholders to bring our contribution to Kenya's vision to life. More details will be shared in due course. Follow us to be the first to hear.
Bring your food idea to market
Whether you are in the UK or in Kenya, talk to us about the Food School, the Ready to Retail Programme or partnering with Sacoma.