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You have probably seen the Kenyan flag before, as it is famous for the country’s athletes in laps of honor at athletics arenas around the world. It consists of horizontal black, red and green bands, each separated by a white band. A Masai shield and 2 spears sit in the center of these bands.
Symbolism
The Kenyan flag was adopted at independence on December 12, 1963. Black symbolizes the race of the majority of Kenyan citizens. Red represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence. Resistance to colonial rule was personified by the long struggle of the Mau Mau. Green denotes the fertility of the land and perhaps emphasizes the dominance of agriculture in the Kenyan economy. The white symbolizes peace, while the shield and spears represent the determination of Kenyans to defend their precious freedom and peace.
Inspiration
The Kenyan flag was inspired and adapted from that of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party.
KANU negotiated the country’s independence in Lancaster and also assumed the reins of power from the British colonial government. He ruled uninterruptedly until 2002, when former President Moi retired from politics and handed over power to current President Mwai Kibaki.
Use of the Kenyan flag
The national flag is a symbol of authority and is raised during the singing of the national anthem in schools and on national holidays. It also adorns public and private buildings, as well as roundabouts in urban areas during national holidays. In addition, it is a standard feature on the vehicles of the President and Ministers. So, in addition to power, it is recognized as a symbol of achievement throughout the country. And as a gesture of national pride, Kenyan athletes who win international races often wear their country’s flag during laps of honor.
Colonial Flag
The Kenyan flag in colonial times consisted of 2 symbols imposed on a royal blue background. These symbols were the Union Jack in the upper left corner and a white ball containing a red lion standing on its hind legs in the right half of the flag.
Coat of arms
Another symbol of authority often used in conjunction with the flag is the country’s coat of arms. Kenya’s coat of arms features a shield, 2 lions, and 2 spears. As with the flag, the shield symbolizes the determination of citizens to defend the freedom of the country. Each of the lions brandishes a spear on each side of the shield. And like the Kenyan flag, this shield is black, green, red, and white.
Coat of arms symbolism
In the red belt of the shield there is a rooster with an ax. Interestingly, the rooster is the symbol of the KANU party. This party ruled the country from independence in 1963 to 2002. A cast of Mount Kenya, the highest mountain in the country, and coffee, tea, and other cash crops are placed at the bottom of the shield. And the word “Harembee”, which is often used as an appeal to self-reliance in Kenya, is inscribed at the base of the coat of arms.
