Kenya is blessed in ways we can’t fully express. The country is rich in resources, values, traditions and the people too. By virtue of the fact that we belong to the same geographical area, we are united. However, this isn’t all; the National Anthem too unites us.
Kenya National Anthem
We have grown up singing the national anthem since primary school. I bet most of us wouldn’t have learnt it were it not a requirement. This song we always sing while hoisting and lowering the flag is not just a song. It is a prayer and call for unity.
Kiswahili English
1 1
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu O God of all creation
Ilete baraka kwetu Bless this our land and nation
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Justice be our shield and defender
Natukae na udugu May we dwell in unity
Amani na uhuru Peace and liberty
Raha tupate na ustawi. Plenty be found within our
borders.
2 2
Amkeni ndugu zetu Let one and all arise
Tufanye sote bidii With hearts both strong and true
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Service be our earnest endeavour
Nchi yetu ya Kenya And our homeland of Kenya
Tunayoipenda Heritage of splendour
Tuwe tayari kuilinda Firm may we stand to defend.
3 3
Natujenge taifa letu Let all with one accord
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu In common bond united
Kenya istahili heshima Build this our nation together
Tuungane mikono And the glory of Kenya
Pamoja kazini The fruit of our labour
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani Fill every heart with
thanksgiving.
What Is In This Song?
The 18 lines contained in each anthem (English/Swahili) are full of values that are important to us as a country.
Justice, peace, unity, liberty, one accord, thanksgiving just to mention but a few are some of the values mentioned in the anthem.
Questions have been raised about the mastery of language by the composers. There are those who ask why the translation from English to Swahili doesn’t seem to make sense.
It doesn’t make sense because it shouldn’t make sense. The Swahili anthem isn’t a translation of the English one but a whole new song on its own.
Therefore, it is safe to say that we have two national anthems.
Kenya National Anthem Devotional.
Photo Credits, www.hiscreation.co.keLast Thursday I had the pleasure of meeting one woman so passionate about our country an the generations to come; Joyce Mwangi.
Her love for the national anthem has led her to publish a book titled “Kenya National Anthem Devotional”. This is a book packed with information about the values we are to derive from our national anthem but instead overlook.
Herein lies possible reasons for us to stop operating based on tribal biases but as a people of one accord.
We have a long way to go to achieve the unity we mention as we sing this anthem, but it is possible to attain it as long as we purpose to.
To get a copy of this book visit Amazon or www.hiscreation.co.ke.
I wish you a thoughtful week, cheers!
