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8 Things to Know about Kenya National Anthem

The tune of the Kenya National Anthem is an African song which originated from the Pokomo tribe in Kenya.

It was a traditional lullaby sung mostly by mothers to their children.

The Kenyan national anthem tune offers itself to the fitting harmonisation and orchestration for performance by a military band, without reducing the original tonality of the melody.

A commission of 5 men was formed to create a tune for the national anthem that would possess the dignity of the country.

The words of the Kenyan national anthem express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the Kenyan people. This was one of the aims of the commission that was formed.

They were to ensure that words in the national anthem united the nation.

The Kenyan National Anthem is considered to be a collective prayer. It recognises the place of God in the formation and sustenance of the country.

Here are the 10 things to know about the Kenyan National Anthem.

1. A lullaby that became a national anthem

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No one would have thought that a lullaby would one day become the National Anthem of the Republic of Kenya.

The Kenya National Anthem originated from a coastal tribe known as the Pokomo.

The man credited with creating the Anthem is known as Mzee Galana Morowa Menza.

He was chosen among a group of Kenyan music composers. His team was set to compose lullaby songs.

Mzee Galana chose to sing the song he had learnt and mastered from a young age: B-e-e Mndondo B-e-e.

The simplicity of the song and its originality impressed Mr Hyslop who was the music director.

They recorded the song and went to Nairobi where it was submitted to the National Museum as part of the country鈥檚 cultural heritage.

2. It was first sung on Independence Day

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After the submission of the song at the National Museum of Kenya, Mzee Galana headed back home.

He forgot about it and was pleasantly surprised when he, together with other Kenyans heard the song for the first time in 1963.

The surprise came at midnight on Independence Day as they were listening to the speeches by the out-going colonial governor and then incoming leader Jomo Kenyatta.

There was excitement in the air as they keenly waited to hear the new Anthem after the Queen鈥檚 Anthem was played.

The anticipation for the new National Anthem was high since no Kenyan had heard it before, and that night was going to be the first time it would be played to the public.

When Mzee Galana heard the tune of the song, he quickly recognized it as the one he sang even though the words had been changed.

3. A commission was formed to compose the National Anthem

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The Kenya National Anthem was prepared by a five-member commission headed by the then Kenya Music Adviser, Mr Graham Hyslop.

He worked closely with Mr Senoga-Zake, Mr Thomas Kalume, Mr Peter Kibukosya and Mr Washington Omondi who were members of the commission.

The commission made sure the writing of the anthem had suitable words that truly represented Kenya.

They also ensured they used both English and Swahili since both languages are used formally and officially.

This method of preparing a national anthem was completely new in the continent.

It was the first time a group of local musicians was given the task of preparing an anthem for consideration by the Government.

The 5-man commission made certain that the national anthem reflected the idioms of the traditional music of Kenya.

They settled on the Pokomo lullaby sung by Mzee Galana as it represented most of the cultural values of Kenyans.

4. The Kenya National Anthem is a prayer

The first stanza of the Kenya national anthem is a prayer to God to bless the land and nation.

This first line of the anthem, Oh God of all creation, depicts Kenya as a nation that trusts in God who is the source of all things.

The idea that God blesses the land means that Kenya is a blessed land hence is rich and produces enough food for all. This is reflected in the line that goes 鈥榩lenty be found within our borders鈥�.

It goes further to ask the citizens of the country to dwell in peace and unity while upholding justice which is a shield and defender of the people.

5. The Anthem uses metaphors

The third line of the first stanza goes 鈥淛ustice be our shield and defender鈥�. This is a metaphor whereby a shield is simply an object used in war.

It is useless when not in use. This line explains the wish by the people that the existing systems and structures should be motivated by the desire for justice.

The voice of the anthem speaks of the people as a collective through the choice of words such as our and we.

These pronouns bring out the aspect of a concerted effort in achieving unity peace and liberty by all Kenyans.

The anthem rallies all Kenyans to build the nation since economic prosperity can only be achieved when there is justice, unity, peace and liberty.

6. The Kenya National Anthem seeks to motivate the citizens

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The first line of the second stanza says Let one and all arise. This emphasizes on personal motivation as the unified endeavour to work hard.

It is a call to all citizens of Kenya to take a personal initiative and not simply follow the masses.

The line after goes with hearts both strong and true. This highlights the attitudes that define our engagements in nation-building.

Service be our earnest endeavour speaks of the qualities that should apprise Kenyans鈥� engagement with nation-building.

The wish to serve others should be the key driver of the people鈥檚 engagement in public offices.

The last two lines of the second stanza emphasize the pride that comes from what is earned from honest living.

The ideas of heritage and splendour appeal to the tone of pride. It shows that what is earned honestly is worth boasting about.

7. Kenyans are motivated to be hardworking

The last stanza of the national anthem strengthens the messages of the first two stanzas.

This stanza is an open invitation to a common goal for all Kenyans.

It encourages all to be one and work together having had a shared history of struggle and finally the attainment of independence.

The anthem also speaks of how nation-building requires a joint effort. This will let Kenya be a great nation as a result of modest industry and hard work.

There is also the aspect of thanksgiving that shows the spirit of gratitude from Kenyans. This is a collective feeling deep down the hearts of Kenyan citizens.

8. The National Anthem is a tool for reconciliation

By Rufino hermandad – Wikimedia

The Kenya national anthem has deep and relevant religious connections that aim at building a cohesive nation.

It is a tool that depicts Kenya as a nation that acknowledges the place of God in the development and sustenance of states and societies.