subject: The Kenya Flag and Its Symbolism [print this page] The Kenya Flag and Its Symbolism The Kenya Flag and Its Symbolism
You've got probably seen the Kenya flag before as it's famously adorned by the country's athletes on laps of honor in athletics stadiums the world over. It consists of black, red and inexperienced horizontal bands each separated by a white stripe. A Masai protect and 2 spears sit in the middle of those bands.
Symbolism
The flag of Kenya was adopted at independence on December twelve, 1963. Black symbolizes the race of the bulk of the Kenya's citizenry. Red represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence. The resistance to colonial rule was epitomized by the protracted Mau Mau struggle. Inexperienced denotes the fertility of the land and maybe emphasizes the predominance of agriculture within the economy of Kenya. White symbolizes peace while the protect and spears signify Kenyans' determination to defend their cherished freedom and peace.
Inspiration
The Kenya flag was galvanized by and adapted from that of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party.
KANU negotiated for the country's independence at Lancaster and conjointly took over the reigns of power from the British colonial government. It ruled uninterrupted till 2002 when former President Moi retired from politics and handed over power to this President Mwai Kibaki.
Use of Kenya Flag
The national flag may be a image of authority and it's hoisted throughout the singing of the national anthem in schools and on national holidays. It additionally adorns private and non-private buildings with roundabouts in urban areas throughout national holidays. In addition, it is a standard feature on the President's and ministers' vehicles. Therefore, along with power, it's recognized as a image of achievement countrywide. And as a gesture of national pride, Kenyan athletes who win international races usually drape themselves in their country's flag throughout laps of honor.
Colonial Flag
The flag of Kenya within the colonial era comprised 2 symbols imposed on a royal blue background. These symbols were the Union Jack within the upper left corner and a white ball containing a red lion standing on its hind legs in the right 0.5 of the flag.
Coat of Arms
Another image of authority that is usually used in conjunction with the flag is the country's coat of arms. Kenya's coat of arms features a shield, two lions and 2 spears. As is that the case with the flag, the protect symbolizes the citizens' resolve to defend the country's freedom. Every of the lions brandishes a spear on either side of the shield. And simply like the flag of Kenya, this defend is black, inexperienced, red and white.
Symbolism of the Coat of Arms
On the red belt of the shield is an axe-wielding rooster. Apparently, the rooster is that the KANU party's symbol. This party ruled the country from independence in 1963 till 2002. A mold of Mount Kenya, the country's highest mountain and coffee, tea and other money crops are positioned at the underside of the shield. And, the word "Harembee," frequently used as a rallying calling for self-reliance in Kenya, is inscribed at the base of the coat of arms.
