Coat of arms of Kenya facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Kenya |
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| Armiger | Republic of Kenya |
| Adopted | 1963 |
| Blazon | Per fess sable and vert, on a fess gules fimbriated argent a cock grasping in the dexter claw an axe also argent. |
| Supporters | On either side a lion or, grasping in the interior forepaw a spear of estate, the hafts of the spears crossed in saltire behind the shield. |
| Compartment | The whole upon a compartment representing Mount Kenya proper. |
| Motto | Harambee (Let's pull together in Swahili) |
The Coat of Arms of Kenya is a special symbol for the country of Kenya. It shows important things about Kenya's history, its people, and its hopes for the future. This national symbol was officially adopted in 1963, the year Kenya became an independent nation.
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What the Symbols Mean
The Kenyan Coat of Arms is full of meaningful symbols. Each part tells a story about the country.
The Lions
Two strong lions stand on each side of the shield. They are a symbol of protection and courage. These lions represent the bravery of the Kenyan people. They also show that the country is protected.
The Shield and Spears
In the middle of the coat of arms is a traditional East African shield. Behind it, two spears are crossed. The shield and spears together symbolize unity. They also show that Kenyans are ready to defend their freedom.
The National Colors
The shield itself has four important colors. Each color represents something special about Kenya:
- Black stands for the people of Kenya.
- Red remembers the blood shed during the struggle for freedom.
- Green represents Kenya's rich agriculture and beautiful natural resources.
- White means unity and peace for everyone in the nation.
The Rooster with an Axe
On the shield, there is a rooster holding an axe. The rooster is shown moving forward. This symbol portrays authority and the will to work hard. It also represents success and the start of a new day. The rooster was also a symbol of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party. This party led Kenya to its independence.
Mount Kenya and Crops
The shield and the lions stand on a picture of Mount Kenya. This is the highest mountain in Kenya. In front of the mountain, you can see examples of Kenya's farm produce. These include coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize, and pineapples. These crops show the importance of agriculture to Kenya's economy.
The Motto: Harambee
Below all the symbols, there is a scroll with the word 'Harambee' written on it. In the Swahili language, Harambee means "pulling together" or "all for one." This motto encourages all Kenyans to work together for the good of their country. It is a call for unity and cooperation.
