Once again this year, on Sunday 2 November, the Italian Embassy in Kenya invites Italians living in the country to participate in the commemoration of those who fell in Kenya during the Second World War, at the Military Memorial in Nyeri, in the presence of the new Italian Ambassador, Vincenzo Del Monaco.

Our head of mission, who recently took up his post in Nairobi, in an email sent to his compatriots, reiterates the significance of the day and his pleasure at meeting and getting to know those who will be attending.

‘We will commemorate our fallen, honour them and gather together to remember their loved ones,’ writes Del Monaco. "Afterwards, if you agree, we could spend some time together, get to know each other and enjoy a moment of conviviality. For me, it will also be a “training session”: I have a lot to learn about Kenya and a lot to hear from those who live there. My gratitude goes to Comites for actively contributing to the organisation of the event. I look forward to seeing you soon and send my warmest regards."

As it does every year, Comites Kenya is organising transport for compatriots who are unable to reach the Memorial. Once again this year, a minibus will be available on Sunday 2 November. Transportation from Nairobi to Nyeri and back (same day) is free, but a deposit will be required, which will be returned upon departure. To book, please send an email by 28/10/2025 to dario@zecchini.org and follow the instructions.

The Italian Military Memorial, located in a town just over two hours from the capital Nairobi, was built by the Italian government between 1950 and 1952 on land granted by the Consolata missions.

It not only houses the remains of Duke Amedeo D'Aosta, commander of the troops that surrendered to the British army in the Ethiopian mountains of Amba Alagi, but also those of 700 other Italian prisoners who, from 1941 to 1946, were detained in 15 camps in East Africa, mainly in Kenya, and had already been buried in 25 war cemeteries scattered throughout the country.

Inside the memorial, you can read the names of the soldiers who lost their lives during their imprisonment, after being deported and forced into hard labour and conditions that were almost unbearable, with infectious diseases, insects and animals, scarce food and no hygiene.

The Duke of Aosta himself, although held in a special prison, Macmillan Castle in the hills of Kilimambogo, already suffering from tuberculosis, died of malaria.

The Nyeri Memorial, in addition to preserving and displaying the Duke's tomb inside the church and the gravestones of the fallen prisoners, houses part of a monument carved and decorated by Italian prisoners, which Comites and the late scholar Aldo Manos transported from the outskirts of Nairobi, as well as the graves commemorating the Muslim ascari who were taken prisoner together with the Italians and deported.