The 12th date of December holds an important position for the Kenyans, as it marks two special events in the history of Kenya:
- Kenya Independence Day
- Kenya Jamhuri Day
On Dec. 12, 1963, Kenya became an independent country, and exactly one year later on Dec. 12, 1964, Kenya joined the Commonwealth as a republic or Jamhuri (Swahili for ‘republic’).
For this reason, December 12 is known as Kenya Independence Day and also as Kenya Jamhuri Day. So Kenyans have double the reason to celebrate December 12th!
Kenya National Day |
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| Commemorating Kenya’s independence from British colonial rule on Dec. 12, 1963; and Kenya turning into an independent republic on Dec. 12, 1964. | |
| When Celebrated: | December 12 |
| Upcoming Date: | December 12 |
| Celebrations: |
Parades, Fireworks, Concerts, Festivals, Tributes
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| Significance: |
The important days of – 12 December 1963 when Kenya gained independence from British rule & 12 December 1964 when Kenya turned into a republic
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| Also called: |
Kenya Independence Day – Kenya National Day – Kenya Republic Day – Kenya Jamhuri Day
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| Greeting Quote: |
Happy Jamhuri Day – Happy Kenyan Independence Day
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| Holiday Type: | Public – National – State |
| Years of independence: | 56 years |
| Which anniversary? |
56th Independence Anniversary
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| Celebration Venue: |
Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi County
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About Kenya National Day
Kenya Independence Day and Kenya Jamhuri Day, are one of the most important national holidays in Kenya, observed with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm on December 12. The occasion commemorates Kenya’s 1963 independence (colonial freedom) from Great Britain and Kenya’s 1964 induction into the Commonwealth as a republic.
Under British rule since the late 19th century, Kenya officially turned into a British colony in 1920. The British colonial rule restricted African demands for a greater role in the political procedure, and it was not until 1944 that an African was incorporated into the colony’s legislature. Disagreements regarding land and cultural traditions continued, in any case, and the movement against colonial rule developed, finishing in the Mau uprisings during the 1950s, amid which the nation dove into a state of emergency through a large portion of the decade. Africans increased some social and monetary concessions because of the uprisings, and African political interest expanded in the mid-1960s. Kenya gained independence on Dec. 12, 1963, and turned into a republic a year later, with Jomo Kenyatta as its leader.
Since 12 December in Kenya has such historical importance, every Kenyan celebrates the Jamhuri Day or Kenya Independence Day with great enthusiasm, pride, and fervor. The celebrations include feasts, government speeches, military parades, cultural dances, and entertainment shows.
Kenyan Independence Day: How Many Years & Which Independence Anniversary?
Kenyan Independence Day in falls on Sunday, 12 December – marking Kenya’s 58 years of independence. This year, Kenyans will celebrate Kenya’s 58th Independence Anniversary.
Where Jamhuri Day Will Be Celebrated?
The celebrations of Kenya Independence and Jamhuri Day will take place on December 12 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi County, Kenya. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will be present there along with the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley as the special guest of the event.
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Kenya Jamhuri Day Celebrations
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day Wishes
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day Greetings
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day SMS Messages
Happy Kenya Independence Day Wishes
Happy Kenya Independence Day Greetings
Kenya Independence & Jamhuri Day Images & Posters
Kenya Independence History
| Kenya Independence History Timeline | |
| 700 A.D |
Arabs arrived and settled in Kenya. They forged the Swahili culture and language through intermarriages with the Bantu along the coastal areas.
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| 1500 A.D |
Portuguese explorers landed in East Africa and took power from the Arabs
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| 1885 |
British influence in Kenya was established by the Berlin Conference and the foundation of British East Africa Company in 1888.
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| 1894 |
British government declared the East African Protectorate over Kenya and Uganda
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| 1920 |
The protectorate became a British Colony
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| 1944 |
An independence movement, Kenya African Union (KAU), formed to campaign for Kenya’s independence
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| 1947 |
Jomo Kenyatta becomes KAU leader
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| 1947 |
Mau Mau movement formed
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| 1952 |
Mau Mau starts a campaign of violence against the British. The colonial government declared the State of Emergency. Jomo Kenyatta arrested. Killings and murders by the colonial government to crush the Mau Mau movement.
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| 1953 |
Jomo Kenyatta sentenced to seven years of imprisonment because of his alleged involvement in the Mau Mau movement.
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| 1961 |
First general elections in Kenya with the participation of African parties. The Kenyan African National Union (KANU), wins the elections, however, rejected to form a government until Kenyatta is set free from prison.
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| 1962 |
Kenyatta joins KANU after his release
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| 1963 |
On June 1st, Kenya achieved internal self-rule. This day marks the Madaraka Day.
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| 1963 |
On December 12, Kenya gained complete independence from Britain. Kenyatta becomes the first Prime Minister of Kenya. This day marks the Kenya Independence Day.
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| 1964 |
On December 12, Kenya turns into a republic, admits into the Commonwealth with Kenyatta as the President of Kenya. This day marks the Jamhuri Day.
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Early Life & Settlement
Before the settlement of Arab pilgrims, Kenya was predominantly populated by agriculturists and herders, many of who had relocated from local regions. The small indigenous populace of bush individuals was swelled by these settlers, who constitute the ancestors of Kenya’s prevailing communities today, to be specific the Bantu, Eastern Cushites and Nilotes.
The arrival and settlement of Arabs along the coast of East Africa was a key period in the forming of present-day Kenya. Arab merchants used the coastal commercial posts for the trade in slaves, spices, other stock.
By 800 CE these small communities had developed into huge urban areas, subject to trade and with a culture derived from both the first occupants and the Arab pilgrims. As the towns and urban communities along the coast acted as a focus for items traded from the African interior and the ideas imported by foreign settlers, the coastal area soon turned into a connection between these two cultures.
Swahili, a dialect got from Bantu, yet with much Arabic impact, developed as the principal language in these coastal front zones. Islamic religious practices turned out to be progressively pervasive, connecting them with the more extensive Muslim people group, although some custom traditions stayed to connect them to local African tribes.
The presence of vendors and workers from Persia and Asia also added to the advancement of a unique culture along coastal territories, which survives to the present day.
Kenya Under Arab and Portuguese Rule
In 1498, the landing of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in Mombasa posed a serious threat to the Arab domination of the East African coast. The Portuguese, after at first being driven off by Arab resistance, in the end, took control of the coastal zones and held them as a colonial asset for the following two centuries from 1498-1698.
In 1698, Omani forces removed the Portuguese and brought the vast majority of the East African Coast under the control of the Sultan of Oman. This control remained unchanged until 1840 when Said bin Sultan Al-Said transferred the capital of the Sultanate to Stone Town in Zanzibar. After his death, Oman and Zanzibar were separated between his children, Thuwaini bin Said and Majid bin Said, and the latter turned into the Sultan of Zanzibar, controlling a large portion of what is currently known as the Kenyan coast.
In the late 19th century, the control of this region was gradually transferred to the British Empire, besides a small coastal strip that stayed in the ownership of the Sultan of Zanzibar until Kenyan Independence in 1963. The mediation of the British Empire was apparently to battle the Arab slave trade of which Zanzibar had turned into a central part.
British Imperialism In Kenya: Britain Takes Over Kenya
The large-scale involvement of Britain in Kenya was part of the scramble for Africa, a period of forceful European imperial extension that started toward the finish of the 19th century and lasted until the beginning of the First World War. Driven by a craving for imperial prestige and resources, European countries raced to colonize as much African area as could reasonably be possible.
Agreements over the districts claimed by the Europeans were consulted in the 1884-5 Berlin Conference. During the race to claim regions by the European powers, a peace treaty among German and British government settled upon the strength of the north of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the coast until the lake Victoria and the areas today known as Uganda and Kenya was consented to belong to the British, and the south, referred to today as Tanzania, to the Germans. It was drawn a straight line of which still up, separating both Kenya and Tanzania.
Kenya Under British Rule
In the early 20th century, Kenya saw a huge number of white settlers and the sale of vast Kenyan territories of the Highlands to rich investors. Settlement of the inland regions was upheld by the construction, from 1895, of a railroad line connecting Mombasa and Kisumu on the western border with the neighboring British protectorate of Uganda. This workforce was mostly comprised of workers from British India, a huge number of whom opted to stay in Kenya when the construction of the railway line was finished, establishing a community of Indian East Africans.
After World War I, during which British East Africa was utilized as a base for operations against German East Africa, Britain annexed the inland territories of the British East Africa Protectorate and announced it a crown state, setting up The Colony of Kenya in 1920. The coastal zone remained a protectorate.
All through 1920 to 1930s, colonial policies disintegrated the privileges of the African population. Further land was purchased up by the colonial government, essentially in the most fertile upland regions, to be cultivated by white settlers. The Kikuyu, Masai and Nandi Kenyan tribes were thrown out from their properties or constrained into poorly paid labor.
A growing nationalist movement brought about the rise of the Kenya African Union in 1946, driven by Harry Thuku. But their failure to bring change from the colonial government prompted the development of more militant groups.
The Rise of Nationalist Movements in Kenya
The abuse and mistreatment of Kenyans by colonial administrators provoked Kenyans to form a movement calling for great political acknowledgment of African rights. The first major movement with the aim to restore African rights in the territory was the East African Association (EAA), which was formed in 1921 by Harry Thuka and, among others, Jomo Kenyatta – the future President of an independent Kenya.
The EAA was proposed to be a movement inclusive of all ethnic groups, in spite of the fact that its members were dominatingly Kikuyu, and as its name suggests, it was trusted that the EAA could represent all the people of East Africa, instead of only those in Kenya. The colonial administration restricted the movement from its commencement, and Harry Thuka – the founder of the EAA movement was captured in 1922 and the EAA banned.
A similar African rights movement, the Kenyan African Union (KAU), was formed in 1942. This movement concentrated predominantly on demanding land access from White settlers and quickly gained membership, including Kenyatta, who was appointed its leader in 1947.
These nationalist movements were instrumental in politicizing the disappointed Kenyan people, and the KAU played a major role during the Mau uprising a couple of years later.
Kenya Demands Independence – Says: “Fed Up of Unfair British Policies”
The First World War in Europe affected Kenya, with numerous local Kenyans drafted to help British troops in defeating German resistance in Tanzania. According to British officials, around 24 000 Africans from this region died during this campaign, although others contend that the death toll was a lot higher.
Kenyans were also badly affected upon by the Crown Lands Ordinance of 1915, an order that swept away most native local land rights.
Kenya’s job in World War II had a similar impact. Around 47,000 African Kenyans volunteered to battle in the British war effort, which helped the British in defeating the Italian force in Ethiopia, and many others Kenyans helped the campaign by raising crops for the British.
In spite of the help given by the African Kenyans, the British made few concessions to the popular demands for land equity. The colonial policies dissolved the rights of the African population. The land was purchased up by the colonial government, primarily in the most fertile upland territories, to be cultivated by white settlers. The Kikuyu, Masai and Nandi tribes were driven out from their properties or constrained into poorly paid work.
The colonial administration opposed African rights for a role in the political process, and it was not until 1944 that an African was included in the colony’s legislature.
There were numerous disputes about land and cultural traditions, anyway, the movement against colonial rule developed, culminating in the Mau uprisings during the 1950s, amid which the nation dove into a state of emergency through the greater part of the decade.
The Rise of Mau Mau Movement: Who Were They and What Was Their Goal?
The Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule, although militarily unsuccessful, was a major defining episode in the Kenyan struggle for an ‘independent’ country. Colonial control of Kenya had existed for quite a long time, sought after by both the Portuguese and Omani Arab before the British arrived, however the continuous push for decolonization that happened all through Africa amid the 20th century gave confidence to the movement to call for the independent republic of Kenya.
Why was the Mau Mau formed? The sources of the Mau Mau uprising started with a general dissatisfaction with the poor conditions imposed by the British colonial administration over the African Kenyans.
A huge number of Kenyans lived in poor conditions in the slums around Nairobi, with a few employment opportunities, no chances of social or legal justice, and suffering the effects of economic inflation raising the price of basic commodities.
In comparison, the majority of the white European settlers and a large number of the Indians who had settled in Nairobi enjoyed good jobs, rich lifestyle, and treated indigenous Africans with disrespect.
A similar situation emerged in rural zones, where the fertile land was occupied by Europeans. This situation exacerbated previous complaints originating from prior British activities in enslaving the local population and reallocating their profitable land to white settlers.
The Mau Mau Rebellion by the Mau Mau Movement
The Mau Mau was a loose grouping of Kikuyu Kenyans, who had been diminished to the status of squatters on their own land. Extremely unhappy with their poor political advancement in seeking after rights for Africans while under continuing pressure from the legislature and colonial administration, they chose to take part in the armed resistance against British colonial rule – known as Mau Mau Rebellion.
One of the important figures in the Mau Mau movement was Dedan Kimathi, a former member of the KAU. In 1952 Mau Mau members started a campaign of violence against both the British and the Africans who co-worked with them. The British reacted by requesting police to detain hundreds of Kikuyu – this action uplifted tensions in the region and led to support for the Mau Mau. The colonial government reacted by declaring the State of Emergency and sent troops to fight the uprising. This action pushed more Africans to the Mau Mau cause, many of who fled to the forests to organize guerrilla wars against the British.
The response of the colonial government was furious. The colonial government ordered a large number of British troops to crush the Mau Mau movement and its members. Undertaking a strategy of deporting Kikuyu to the reserves, a large number of Africans were confined and transported far from their homes, while others were re-housed in towns under British control. Concentration camps were utilized to process the Kikuyu associated with Mau Mau’s involvement, and abuse and torture were commonplace.
At the same time, British forces traveled through the forests, killing anyone associated with Mau Mau’s involvement. British troopers also held villagers at gunpoint while their homes were hunted down proof of participation with the Mau.
At last, in 1956 Kimathi was captured, ending the Mau Mau resistance. Kimathi was put on trial and hanged a year later. The British military operations against the Mau Mau movement brought about numerous death. Around 15,000 African Kenyans were killed by the British troops. In comparison, less than a hundred white settlers died during the period of the uprising.
Was The Mau Mau Rebellion Successful? Although the Mau Mau faced a military defeat, the formation of this movement was a clear indication that the Kenyans want an independent state and no longer want to face strict policies, harsh behavior, and disrespect by the colonial government. The Mau Mau movement placed the idea of an ‘independent’ Kenya firmly on the agenda. It was this uprising that persuaded the British of the requirement for reforms in Kenya and the wheels were set in motion for the progress to Kenya’s Independence.
Kenya Wins Independence from British
In 1960, the British government held a conference in London to talk about the constitutional future of Kenya, and for the first time officially recognized the certainty of independence under the African majority rule.
The first Kenyan general elections with the participation of African parties was held in 1961, with one of the real issues being the release of Jomo Kenyatta, who had been confined in 1952 based on his alleged involvement with the Mau Mau. The Kenyan African National Union Party (KANU), the successor to the KAU, won a greater part of the vote, however, declined to form a government until Kenyatta is set free. Thus, the country was governed by a coalition government set up between the Kenyan African Democratic Union (KADU) and the White-led New Kenya Party for a year.
When Kenyatta was released in 1962, he joined KANU and succeeded in the 1963 Kenya elections. He was confirmed as the first prime minister of Kenya and on Dec. 12, 1963, proclaimed Kenya to be at long last free of British rule. A year later on December 12, 1964, Kenya turned into a republic, with Kenyatta as the president, and KADU willfully dissolved to permit the making of a strong one-party state.
Kenyatta assumed a peacemaking tone towards the white settlers in Kenya and forbade any revenge for the past acts, while also offering an amnesty for crimes committed by Mau Mau fighters during the State of Emergency.
Kenyatta served as the President of Kenya for the rest of his life, and under his governance, Kenya enjoyed a reasonable level of political stability and economic prosperity.
Independence & Jamhuri Day Celebrations in Kenya
Kenyans at home and abroad celebrate their Independence Day or Jamhuri Day with utmost enthusiasm and fervor. Kenyans around the world dress in colorful kikoys and kitenges, and devour ugali (a cornmeal dish) and irio (a mash of potatoes and peas).
Celebrations during the independence day include dining experiences, political addresses, marches, and dancing. A huge number of patriotic Kenyans rush the stadiums in the different urban areas and towns for the presidential function where they appreciate different types of entertainment with the climax of the day being the president’s speech. After here, Kenyans head back home or to different meat joints to enjoy some delicious nyama choma as they make merry.
12 December in Kenya: Celebratory Traditions & Activities
December 12th is a day for Kenyans to offer their thanks for their freedom through dance, marches, parades, speeches, feasting and other public events.
The day starts with Trooping of the Color, a ceremony that takes place every Jamhuri Day in the Central Stadium. The President of Kenya also participates in this ceremony, takes the national salute, and then inspects the parade. This ceremony includes marches, band plays, and ends with Kenya’s national anthem.
The most traditional and across the board method for celebrating Jamhuri Day is feasting with the family. The Kenyan family will meet up and appreciate having each other on Jamhuri Day and during their entertainment, they will for the most part feast on delicious Kenyan cuisine.
With a large group of activities from feasting in ones home to the public bungee bouncing off a bridge, all the components of the Jamhuri Holiday are essential to the Kenyans and convey symbols that can express how the Kenyans feel about life, family, and their general association of society.
The Young African Express also offers free education to children regarding Kenya’s independence. Educational programs are organized in schools, covering details about the country’s autonomy and sharing knowledge on how the youth can solve the emerging issues.
Visiting the Karen Blixen Museum is also a famous independence day celebratory tradition in Kenya. Located at the foot of Ngong Hills, this beautiful bungalow style house was donated by the Danish Government in 1964 to the new Kenyan government as Kenyan Independence Gift. Today, this historic museum holds great value for the Kenyans.
Importance of Celebrating Independence & Jamhuri Day in Kenya
Jamhuri Day and Independence Day is an important occasion for Kenyans to express their gratitude for their independence through dance, parades, feasting, and other public events. The majority of the activities that are performed on Jamhuri Day are portrayals of the manner in which Kenyans view life and the values that stand within their general public.
The holiday is important to the Kenyans since it helps them to remember where they have originated from as a country and it is an illustration of solidarity in its most noteworthy frame. On this holiday, there is a repetitive theme of solidarity, which does not change as the feast, dance, marches, and speeches are altogether models of being in unity with other people.
The holiday is crucial to Kenya since it recounts it’s past, and when any country recognizes and grasps it’s past, that nation is more equipped to manage with its future.
Not only this, but Jamhuri or Independence Day is also a time for Kenyans to celebrate their freedom integration of old cultural traditions, and new activities to demonstrate their love and happiness. Family ties are extremely important in Kenyan Culture, and something generally done on Jamhuri Day is the meeting up of relatives to praise the independence of Kenya. The need for an affectionate family is stressed through this Kenyan occasion.
The majority of the Kenyan activities done on Jamhuri Day symbolize their freedom, and the modernization of the Kenyan culture. All through the holiday, there is a strong emphasis on family and the significance of a strong social structure.
Kenya Independence & Jamhuri Day FAQs
When going through Kenya’s history, many people have lots of questions regarding Kenya Independence Day, such as how did Kenya gained independence? Here we have unpacked Kenya FAQs.
*Do you know? A million people died in East Africa alone during World War I, defending the interests of their colonial masters.
What Year Did Kenya Become A Country – When Did Kenya Become A Republic?
Kenya gained its independence on December 12, 1963 – marking the Kenya Independence Day. Queen Elizabeth II remained the country’s Head of State until the following year when Kenya joined the Commonwealth of Nations and became a republic on December 12, 1964 – marking the Kenya Jamhuri Day, with Jomo Kenyatta as its president.
Why Was Kenya Important To The British Empire?
There are several main reasons why the British colonized Kenya in 1895. These reasons were similar to the reasons why Great Britain colonized other areas.
- The first reason was economic. By colonizing Kenya, the British would have a place where they could trade the items made by British industries. This would encourage the British industries. Kenya additionally could provide Great Britain with needed resources.
- Kenya had great regions of land for cultivating, and the British wanted to exploit this. However, there were issues that constrained the advantage of the great cultivating regions. Diseases and overuse of the soil were two issues.
- There were political contemplations in the colonization of Kenya. Different nations were colonizing Africa. The Germans were likewise making a move to colonize Kenya. The British needed to act if Great Britain needed Kenya to be a British colony. Since nations were seeking limited areas of land accessible for colonization, Great Britain needed to act if it wanted to upgrade its status as a world power.
- Kenya could fill a military purpose if war broke out. Since there was fighting in Africa in World War I, having Kenya has an army base turned out to be beneficial for the British government in World War I?
What Is Celebrated On Madaraka Day?
Madaraka Day holds an important position in the history of Kenya. It is a national holiday in the Republic of Kenya, celebrated annually on 1st of June. This date commemorates the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule after decades a British colony.
What Is The Difference Between Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day?
There are two major differences between Kenya Madaraka Day and Kenya Jamhuri Day:
- Madaraka Day is the day when Kenya attained internal self-rule from Great Britain on June 1st. This day is a public holiday in Kenya.
- Jamhuri Day is the day when Kenya became fully independent (getting hold of both internal and external affairs). This day is a public holiday and celebrated on December 12 each year in Kenya.
How Did Kenya Gain Its Independence From Great Britain?
The African country of Kenya was allowed autonomy by the British government on December 12, 1963, and pronounced itself an independent republic on December 12 of the following year.
Kenya had been a settlement of the United Kingdom called the Colony and Protectorate of Kenya starting in 1888. Starting during the 1950s, independence movements such as the East African Association (EAA) and Kenyan African Union (KAU) started to grab hold, often sparking fierce clashes.
In 1952, a large group of Kenyan patriots began the Mau Mau Rebellion against the colonial administration. Despite the fact that the British suppressed the rebellion by 1957, the British government did allow Kenya independent elections that year.
In the 1957 Kenyan elections, the nationalist Kenya African National Union Party (KANU) took control of the administration. At last, on December 12, 1963, the English government conceded Kenya full independence.
Huge credit to Kenya’s Road to Freedom goes to the Mau Mau Resistance and other nationalist developments.
What Was Kenya Called Before 1964?
Before the 19th century, Kenya was known as the British East Africa Protectorate or British East Africa. It was officially named Kenya in 1920.
How Long Did The British Rule Kenya?
The British Empire set up the East Africa Protectorate in 1895, from 1920 known as the Kenya Colony. The independent Republic of Kenya was shaped in 1964. So the British ruled Kenya for about 69 years!
What Year Did Kenya Become A Country?
Kenya became a country on December 12, 1963, after gaining complete independence from Great Britain.
What Do We Celebrate On 12th December In Kenya?
The 12th date of December holds an important position for the Kenyans, as it marks two special occasions in the history of Kenya: The Kenya Independence Day and The Jamhuri Day.
On this day in 1963, Kenya turned into an independent nation, and precisely one year later in 1964, it joined the Commonwealth as a republic or Jamhuri (Swahili for ‘republic’). Thus, December 12 is known as Kenya Independence Day and also as Kenya Jamhuri Day. So Kenyans have double the reason to celebrate December 12th!
Why Is Kenya Called Kenya?
To understand why modern Kenya is called Kenya, we have to go back to the colonial era. The first settlers to come to Kenya were the Arabs. They arrived here in 700 AD. Slave trade was the major activity that brought them here in Kenya. The Kamba tribe being from a semi-arid district in Kenya were engaged with long-distance trading.
Since the Kamba were actively involved as merchants and travel guide, the greater part of the places in Kenya is named after what they told the traders. Kenya originates from the Kamba word ‘kinyaa’ pronounced as Kenya as we know it today. ‘Kinyaa’ in Kamba is a higher place where God(Mulungu) lives. Thus the highest spot in Kenya is Mount Kenya. The place being the highest in the territory the Kamba thought that God inhabitant there.
Was Mau Mau A Nationalist Movement?
Yes, Mau Mau was a militant African nationalist movement that originated in the 1950s with a dominant part of the Mau Mau warriors and supporters from the Kikuyu ethnic group.
Who Was The Leader Of Mau Mau?
The important leaders of the Mau Mau were Dedan Kimathi and Jomo Kenyatta.
When Was The State Of Emergency Declared In Kenya and Who Lifted State of Emergency In Kenya?
The State of Emergency in Kenya lasted from 1952-1959. It’s the longest ever in the history of Kenya, which came to an end in 1959.
The State of Emergency was declared by the governor of Kenya, Sir Evelyn Baring, because of the Mau Mau resistance to British colonial rule and imprisonment of thousands of Kenyans. This rebellion occurred in the highlands of central Kenya among the Kikuyu clan. Tens of thousands of Kikuyu died in this rebellion and in detainment camps and confined towns.
The National Flag of Kenya
The flag of Kenya was officially adopted on 12 December 1963 after Kenya gained its independence from Great Britain. The flag of Kenya features a horizontal tricolor of black, red, and green with two white edges imposed with a red, white and black Maasai shield and two crossed spears. The Kenyan flag is based on the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
- Black color on Kenyan Flag – represents the people of Kenya
- Red color on Kenyan Flag – represents the bloodshed during the Kenyan fight for independence
- Green color on Kenyan Flag – represents the country’s landscape and natural wealth
- White Fimbriation on Kenyan Flag – symbolizes peace and honesty
The red, white and black Maasai shield and two crossed spears symbolize the defense of all things: Kenyan people, Kenyan Independence, Kenyan natural wealth.
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day WISHES
- Wishing a very Happy Jamhuri Day to my brothers and sisters in Kenya today.
- We are all created equal. Yet, only lucky ones are made Kenyan… cause being a Kenyan isn’t only a nationality, It Is A Blessing – Happy Jamhuri Day To All Friends!
- Happy Jamhuri Day to the lovely land of Kenya! Today, Kenya celebrates 56 years of independence from Britain.
- I am not Kenyan because I was born in Kenya, but because Kenya was born in me! Happy Jamhuri Day.
- Wishing my good friends and the fantastic people of Kenya, a Happy Jamhuri Day! Enjoy the celebrations of your Jamhuri Day together with your loved ones. Cheers.
- I wish Kenya a happy Jamuhuri Day as the country marks its 56th Independence Day this December 12.
- May the morning sun brings hope and fortunes to our country today as we are celebrating our Jamhuri Day.
- Let the soul of liberty a chance to soar high up today. I wish you a fantastic bash on Kenyan Jamhuri Day!
- On this special day here’s wishing our dreams of an exciting tomorrow come true! May your Jamhuri Day be loaded up with so much fun, enjoyment, and happiness.
- A powerful nation made history with its valor and determination. Wishing you incredible joy on this shining day. Happy Jamhuri Day!
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day GREETINGS
- Best Jamhuri Day Greetings to all Kenyans. Kenya has always been a great country with incredible people. Let’s share the joy of celebrating our Jamhuri Day.
- As we celebrate this day may we take a moment to reflect on the finest traditions of a true republic and commit to individually play our part to make ours a true and finest Republic.
- Happy Jamhuri day fellow Kenyans. May the spirit of renewed nationhood, patriotism, hard work, honesty, accountability, justice, and inclusivity guide us to build a strong Kenya.
- Today we reflect on the sacrifices that our ancient heroes made for our independence.
- I wish every Kenyan an amazing Jamhuri Day. This national holiday provides us with an opportunity to rekindle within us our shared quest for a life of dignity and self-determination.
- May Peace Love and Unity be our guiding force as we continue to build our Nation. Let’s continue to keep the faith alive. We shall ultimately get there soon. Happy Jamhuri Day Fellow Kenyans.
- Happy Jamhuri Day! I wish all Kenyans both at home and in diaspora Happy Independence Day.
- Once more, it is the ideal opportunity for us to show all other nations that we are incredible people from a GREAT nation. And, let’s proceed with our struggle towards the prosperity and advancement of our dear country.
- Kenyan flags are flying high in Indian skies – the entire country is celebrating together. Long Live Kenya!
- Warm Greetings on the glorious occasion of Kenya Jamhuri Day!
Happy Kenya Jamhuri Day SMS MESSAGES
- Happy Jamhuri Day! May Our Country progress in every Field, May God Bless our country with best – Long Live Kenya!
- Celebrating Freedom, Commitment, Solidarity – This Jamhuri Day, let’s promise to invest in this beautiful country with all the more zeal and fervor.
- Happy Jamhuri Day! On this day, let’s pledge to set aside all our differences and shun hatred to work together for a prosperous Kenya.
- We need to make the change in ourselves to see a change in Kenya and that’s what will make Kenya one of the best countries on the planet.
- Our Motherland (Kenya) deserves our loyalty, not only on an occasional basis but 24/7. Happy celebrating Jamhuri Day.
Best Kenya Jamhuri Day Quotes
“God said this is our land, land in which we flourish as people… we want our cattle to get fat on our land so that our children grow up in prosperity; and we do not want the fat removed to feed others” ― Jomo Kenyatta.
“Our fathers fought bravely. But do you know the biggest weapon unleashed by the enemy against them? It was not the Maxim gun. It was division among them. Why? Because a people united in faith are stronger than the bomb” ― Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o.
“You and I must work together to develop our country, to get education for our children, to have doctors, to build roads, to improve or provide all day-to-day essentials” ― Jomo Kenyatta.
“Our children may learn about the heroes of the past. Our task is to make ourselves the architects of the future” ― Jomo Kenyatta.
“If we respect ourselves and our Uhuru, foreign investment will pour in and we will prosper” ― Jomo Kenyatta.
“We do not want to oust the Europeans from this country. But what we demand is to be treated like the white races. If we are to live here in peace and happiness, racial discrimination must be abolished” ― Jomo Kenyatta.
Happy Kenya Independence Day WISHES
- Happy Independence Day to Kenya. Today marks 58 years free from British tyranny, oppression, and colonization. Let’s also take a moment to remember all of the revolutionaries & activists who sacrificed their to make this dream possible.
- Freedom in the Mind, Faith in the words, Pride in our hearts and memories in our souls. Proudly celebrating 56 years of freedom. Happy Independence Day Kenya!
- May our country live long. We should pay special thanks to all our leaders who worked hard & our ancestors who sacrificed a lot for this nation.
- The Land I belong to, the Land I will die for, the Land that defines my identity. This my country, this is my Kenya!
- Land of the free, home of the bold & brave. Happy Independence Day to Kenya!
Happy Kenya Independence Day GREETINGS
- May the sun in its course – Visit no land all the more free, more happy, more successful and all the more flawless, Than this our very own nation – Happy Independence Day to all the Kenyans!
- Happy Independence Day, Kenya. I feel honored to call this country home. God bless Kenya!
- Sending lovely Independence Day greetings to all my Kenyans friends. Let us come together today in gratitude and remember what unites us.
- Feel the pride of being a part of such a Great Nation. Here’s sending my warm patriotic wishes to make this day truly memorable. Happy Independence Day Kenya!
- Best Kenya Independence Day Greetings to all. May God bless our Freedom, and bless the patriots who have protected it with their hearts and their souls.
Kenyan Independence Day Songs
- Roger Whittaker – My Land Is Kenya
- Eric Wainaina – Daima
- Leyla- Wimbo Za Historia
- Ythera – Like A Phoenix, Let’s All Rise
- Rufftone and GSU – Mungu Baba
- Dela, Sauti Sol, Nyashinski and Avril – Kenya Yetu
- Nameless – Coming Home
- The National Anthem
- Mungu Baba – Rufftone and The GSU
- Kenya Only – Eric Wainaina