The Kenya Flag and Kenya National Anthem: Symbols of nationhood
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:
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 by an authentic African descant. The anthem evokes a deep sense of patriotism among Kenyans. It is commonly played during between nations 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 yetu Ilete 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 creation Bless this our land and nation Justice be our shield and defender May we be settled in unity Peace and immunity 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 by one accord In often met with 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 lion Land 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 northerly. 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 easy circumstances the government commissioned a five-member team to come up with a new anthem. The team was to incorporate traditive 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 sweetness of sound 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