National Symbols
Kenya’s Flag
The Kenyan flag was adopted on 12th December, 1963 as the country’s flag. The color black represents the people of the Republic of Kenya, red for the blood shed during the fight for independence, green for the country’s landscape and the white fimbriation was added later to symbolize peace and honesty.
Coat of Arms
Kenya’s coat of arms features two gold lions, one on either side of a shield with two crossed spears. The lions symbolize Kenya’s wildlife and the courage of the people of Kenya to defend their country. The shield (which bears the colours of the national flag) and the spears symbolize unity and defence for freedom. The rooster holding an axe while moving forward portrays authority, the will to work, success, and the break of a new dawn. It is also the symbol of Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) party that led the country to independence. At the bottom is the national motto, ‘Harambee’, which signifies the spirit of cooperation or pulling together. In the background is an outline of Mt Kenya while in the foreground is images of Kenya’s agricultural produce, including coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize, and pineapples. A scroll containing the motto, Harambee, supports the coat of arms.
Wimbo wa Taifa
Kiswahili
Ubeti wa 1
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu,
Ilete baraka kwetu,
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi,
Natukae na undugu,
Amani na uhuru,
Raha tupate na ustawi.
Ubeti wa 2
Amkeni ndugu zetu,
Tufanye sote bidii,
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu,
Nchi yetu ya Kenya,
Tunayoipenda,
Tuwe tayari kuilinda.
Ubeti wa 3
Natujenge taifa letu,
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu,
Kenya istahili heshima,
Tuungane mikono,
Pamoja kazini,
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani.
Kenya’s National Anthem
English
Verse 1
O God of all creation,
Bless this our land and nation,
Verse 1
O God of all creation,
Bless this our land and nation,
Justice be our shield and defender,
May we dwell in unity,
Peace and liberty,
Plenty be found within our borders.
Verse 2
Let one and all arise,
With hearts both strong and true,
Service be our earnest endeavour,
And our homeland of Kenya,
Heritage and splendour,
Firm may we stand to defend.
Verse 3
Let all with one accord,
In common bond united,
Build this our nation together,
And the glory of Kenya,
The fruit of our labour,
May we dwell in unity,
Peace and liberty,
Plenty be found within our borders.
Verse 2
Let one and all arise,
With hearts both strong and true,
Service be our earnest endeavour,
And our homeland of Kenya,
Heritage and splendour,
Firm may we stand to defend.
Verse 3
Let all with one accord,
In common bond united,
Build this our nation together,
And the glory of Kenya,
The fruit of our labour,
Fill every heart with thanksgiving.
