National symbols of Kenya
Article 9(1) of the Constitution of Kenya establishes the official national symbols. These represent the sovereignty, unity and shared values of the Republic.
The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) protects Kenya's national symbols. It is an offence to use the Coat of Arms, Public Seal or other protected emblems for commercial purposes without written permission from the Cabinet Secretary.
For this reason, this page provides textual descriptions of the symbols rather than graphic reproductions.
The national flag
The national flag is the most recognised symbol of Kenya. It is based on the flag of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), which led the country to independence in 1963.
The flag has a ratio of 2:3 (height to width). From top to bottom, it consists of equal horizontal bands of black, white, red, white and green, with a traditional Maasai shield and two crossed spears in the centre.
Meaning of the flag elements
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black | The people of Kenya |
| Red | The blood shed during the struggle for independence |
| Green | The country's natural wealth and agricultural resources |
| White fimbriation | Peace, honesty and unity |
| Shield and spears | The defence of freedom and national sovereignty |
The Coat of Arms
The Coat of Arms is the official state emblem of Kenya. It is used on government documents, official correspondence and state buildings. The design is described in the Second Schedule of the Constitution.
The Coat of Arms contains the following elements:
- Two lions — two golden African lions standing on either side, holding traditional spears. They symbolise wildlife heritage and national courage.
- The central shield — features the national colours (black, red, green and white) with a rooster holding an axe. The rooster represents the new dawn and the spirit of hard work.
- Mount Kenya — the entire composition rests on a silhouette of Mount Kenya, the country's highest mountain.
- Agricultural produce — the foreground shows Kenya's main crops: coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples.
- The motto scroll — at the base, a scroll bears the national motto "Harambee".
The national anthem
Kenya's national anthem was composed in 1963 by a committee led by Graham Hyslop, G.W. Senoga Zake, Peter Kibukosya and Washington Omondi. It was first performed at the independence ceremony on 12 December 1963.
The anthem has three stanzas, written in both Kiswahili and English.
Stanza 1
Kiswahili
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi
English
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
Stanza 2
Kiswahili
Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya
Tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda
English
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
Stanza 3
Kiswahili
Natujenge taifa letu
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono
Pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani
English
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 national motto
Kenya's national motto is "Harambee", a Kiswahili word meaning "Let us all pull together".
The motto appears on the scroll at the base of the Coat of Arms. It represents the Kenyan tradition of community-based mutual assistance, where people come together to contribute resources and labour for the common good.
The Harambee spirit was central to Kenya's early development, with communities raising funds to build schools, hospitals and other social facilities.
The national pledge
The National Pledge of Loyalty is a civic declaration recited at public assemblies, schools and official ceremonies. It affirms a citizen's commitment to the Republic of Kenya.
"I pledge my loyalty to the Republic of Kenya and to the National Flag; that I will diligently serve my country with all my heart, mind and strength; and that I will maintain and defend the integrity of Kenya, against all enemies, both internal and external, so help me God."
The Public Seal
The Public Seal is the official stamp used by the Executive to validate important state documents, including treaties, presidential proclamations and high-level legal instruments.
The seal is circular and features the graphic elements of the national Coat of Arms. It is kept in the custody of the President.
Published: 22 May 2026 • Last updated: 2 July 2026
This information is regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.