Flag of Kenya facts for kids

The flag of Kenya (Swahili: Bendera ya Kenya) was adopted on 12 December 1963. This special flag shows the spirit and history of the Kenyan people. It was chosen when Kenya became an independent nation.

What the Flag Looks Like

The Kenyan flag has three main colors arranged in wide, horizontal stripes. These colors are black, red, and green.

• The black stripe is at the very top. It stands for the people of Kenya. It represents their strength and unity.
• The red stripe is in the middle. This color reminds everyone of the blood that was shed during the fight for freedom. It honors the heroes who worked hard for Kenya's independence.
• The green stripe is at the bottom. This color shows Kenya's beautiful natural land and its wealth. This includes its rich farms and forests.

Between the black and red stripes, and also between the red and green stripes, there are thin white lines. These white lines are called "fimbriations." They represent peace and unity among all Kenyans.

In the very center of the flag, there is a special symbol. It is a Maasai shield with two crossed spears behind it. The shield itself is red, white, and black. This shield and the spears stand for the defense of Kenya's freedom. They show that the country is ready to protect its independence.

History of the Flag

The flag of Kenya was officially adopted on December 12, 1963. This was the day Kenya gained its independence from British rule. The design of the flag is based on the flag of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) political party. KANU was a major party that led the country to independence. The colors and symbols were chosen carefully to represent important aspects of Kenya's journey and its future.

Images for kids

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  Kenyan flag at Lodwar Airport

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  Kenyan flags at the Kenyatta Mausoleum