Subscribe To This Site Feed
National Symbols of KenyaKenya's Country Symbols
O God of all creation Bless this our land and nation. Justice be our shield and defender, May we swell in unity, Peace and liberty. Plenty be found within our borders. 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. Let all and 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. National AnimalsAfrican LionThe national symbols of Kenya would not be complete without mention of the Kenyan lion, the symbol for national strength. It is part of the 'Big Five' major attractions for visitors to the country.The Swahili Name for Lion is Simba, just like the lion in the famous Disney movie The Lion King. Their diet is carnivorous, which means they like to eat humans, so be careful when you go on Safari! The lion is the second largest cat, the largest being the tiger. It's roar can be heard from a distance of up to five miles. Some male lions can weigh as much as 550 lbs. They live in the wild for about 10 to 14 years, and in captivity over 20 years. The lion population in Kenya is threatened and it could disappear altogether within the next 20 years according to reports from the Kenya Wildlife Service. Intervention to preserve the African lion is of utmost important. The RoosterA symbol of a new and prosperous life, another of the important national symbols of Kenya is the rooster. It is found on the Kenyan Coat of Arms.In olden times, in Old English, the rooster was called a 'cock'. It's just another name for a male chicken. Younger males under a year old are called 'cockerels'. The rooster will guard the general area where his hens are nesting and is known to attack other roosters who invade his territory. He sounds off a distinct alarm call when threat of predators is nearby. 
National Bird of KenyaThe Lilac Breasted Roller commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, is the offical country symbol bird of Kenya. It is highly colored with a beautiful lilac breast. The sexes are alike in color.Being a roller bird refers to the acrobatic movements it makes when courting or under threat. They are usually found alone or in pairs perching in high places, like the tops of trees, to have a vantage point to spot insects, lizards, and other small prey. The male will rise very high, then swoop down while crying out, as part of his mating ritual during breeding season. 
National TreeOne of the most well known national symbols of Kenya is the national tree, the Umbrella Acacia Tree, also called the Umbrella Thorn. It's a medium-large canopied tree found in the savanna and Sahel of Africa known to thrive in extremely arid conditons.It can grow up to 21 m high with leaves that grow 2.5 cm long with between 4 to 10 pair of leaves that each have up to 15 pairs of leaflets. It bears small white, very aromatic flowers that grow in tight little clusters. The seed pods are flat, coiled and springlike. The acacia tree can withstand alkalinity, drought, high temperatures, sandy and stony soils, sloped rooting surfaces, and sand blasting, which makes it an ideal candidate for the Kenya climate. This tree is an important resource providing wood for furniture, fencing, and animal pens. The pods and leaves provide food for desert grazing animals and the bark is a source of tannin. The natives use the roots, shoots, and pods for decorations, weapons, tools and in some medicines. National FlowerOne of the unofficial national symbols of Kenya is thought to be the orchid.Because Kenya never officially adopted a flower as it's national symbol, it's suggested that the tropical orchid could be it as Kenya is a large exporter of tropcial flowers. Jamhuri DayNational symbols of Kenya would not be complete without the mention of December 12, which marks the national holiday called Jamhuri Day. Jamhuri is Swahili for 'republic'.The day marks both the date of Kenya being established as a republic on December 12, 1964, and also recognizes the country's full independence from the United Kingdom one year earlier on the same day in 1963. This double event is thought to be Kenya's most important holiday that is well celebrated with many festivities that recognize the country's cultural heritage. TOP of National Symbols of Kenya
|
