The Kenya flag truly characterizes Kenya's national unity. At the same time it reflects the historical events that shaped the country. The kenya flag consists of three equal-sized horizontal stripes of black, red and green. The red stripe is edged in thinner white stripes. At the center of the Kenyan flag, a large warrior's shield covering with crossed spears is superimposed.
History and Meaning of the Flag of Kenya
The current Kenya flag was adopted on Independence Day, December 12th 1963. It was based on the flag of KANU (Kenya African National Union), the political party that led Kenya to independence. The original flag of Kenya had three equal stripes of black, red, and green. These colors symbolized:
- Black - The indigenous Kenyan people
- Red - The blood that was shed in the fight for independence
- Green - Kenya's rich agricultural land and natural resources
The white stripes, the traditional Masai shield, and the two crossed spears were added to the flag of Kenya after Kenya attained independence. The white color symbolizes peace while the shield and spears signifies that all Kenyans are always ready to defend the independence they fought so hard for.
The Kenya National Anthem
The Kenya national anthem is a beautiful piece of music with an authentic African melody. The anthem evokes a deep sense of patriotism among Kenyans. It is commonly played during international events such as the international athletic events when Kenyan athletes excel. Back in the country the national anthem is played during national holidays and on other important or historical events. During these events a military band performs the national anthem asserting the anthem's role as a symbol of Kenya's national unity.
The Lyrics of the Kenya National Anthem
Swahili
Ee Mungu nguvu yetuIlete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi.
Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya
Tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda
Natujenge taifa letu
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono
Pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani
English
O God of all creationBless 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.
Let one and all arise
With hearts both strong and true
Service be our earnest endeavour
And our homeland of Kenya
Heritage of splendour
Firm may we stand to defend.
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.
Brief History of the Kenyan Anthem
While under British colonial rule Kenya's official anthem was "God Save the Queen" which is the British Anthem. "Kenya Land of the Lion" was the national song sung at sporting and other such events.
Lyrics of "Kenya Land of the lion"
Kenya! Land of the lionLand of adventure and sun
Land where friendship and laughter
Wait for those who come after.
Onward! grey skies or blue
We'll march steadfast and true.
Kenyans, staunch and united
We'll march on.
Kenya!Land of enchantment
We'll hold your banner on high.
Clear our voices are ringing
Youth and hope in our singing.
What of glory and fame?
We"ll just stick to the game.
Kenyans, staunch and united
We'll march on.
Prior to independence the government commissioned a five-member team to come up with a new anthem. The team was to incorporate traditional Kenyan music in the anthem, and ensure that the tune could be performed by a military band without distorting the original tone of the melody. The melody the team selected is based on a traditional folk song of the Pokomo, a small ethnic group in Kenya's Coast province.
You can listen to the audio instrumental of the Kenya national anthem at: http://www.national-anthems.net/KE
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