Kenya National Anthem

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History of the Kenya National Anthem

The Kenya national anthem has a very African feel to it. It is written and sang in both English and Swahili, which are the official languages of the country.

It was written shortly before independence in December 1963.

The anthem was prepared by a five-member commission. The tune of the national anthem is from a Kenyan song. The song is from the Pokomo tribe. The traditional tune was sung by mothers to their children.

The method used in preparing the national anthem was new in Africa. For the first time, local musicians were given the job of preparing an anthem for consideration by the Government.

The words of the anthem were meant to unify the nation and contain the aspirations of the whole country.

The anthem reflects the idioms of the traditional music of Kenya. Many tunes from various parts of the country were considered. The tune had to be of the right length and quality.

It also had to possess dignity. The tune had to lend itself to appropriate harmonisation and orchestration for performance by a military band.

Kiswahili	English
1	1
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu Ilete baraka kwetu Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Natukae na undugu Amani na uhuru Raha tupate na ustawi.	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.
2	2
Amkeni ndugu zetu Tufanye sote bidii Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Nchi yetu ya Kenya Tunayoipenda Tuwe tayari kuilinda	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.
3	3
Natujenge taifa letu Ee, ndio wajibu wetu Kenya istahili heshima Tuungane mikono Pamoja kazini Kila siku tuwe na shukrani	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.

The Flag of Kenya

The Kenyan flag has three major and equal width stripes of black, red and green colours separated by narrow white stripes, with a symmetrical shield and white spears superimposed centrally.

The Colours

Black: Represents the people of Kenya

Red: Represents the blood shed in the fight for independence

Green: Represents the fertility of the land

White: Represents peace and the shield of the warrior represents Kenya's pride and tradition.

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 colour symbolizes peace while the shield and spears signifies that all Kenyans are always ready to defend the independence they fought so hard for.

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