The national coat of arms of Kenya is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity. It features several elements that represent the country’s history, culture, and natural resources. The coat of arms is a combination of traditional African and modern European design elements, reflecting Kenya’s diverse heritage.
The coat of arms is composed of a shield and two spears crossed behind it. The shield is divided into two parts, with a red band on the top and a green band on the bottom. The red band represents the struggle for independence, while the green band represents Kenya’s agricultural wealth. The shield is supported by a rooster on the left and a lion on the right. The rooster symbolizes the dawn of a new day and the promise of prosperity, while the lion represents Kenya’s wildlife and strength.
Above the shield is a Maasai warrior’s headdress, which symbolizes Kenya’s cultural heritage. The headdress is made of ostrich feathers and is worn by Maasai warriors during special occasions. The headdress is also a symbol of the country’s freedom fighters who fought for independence from British colonial rule.
The coat of arms is colored in black, red, green, and white. Black represents the people of Kenya, red represents the blood shed during the struggle for independence, green represents the country’s natural resources, and white represents peace.
The history of the coat of arms dates back to 1963 when Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule. The coat of arms was designed by a group of artists led by Benson Masika. The design was approved by the government and was officially adopted as the national coat of arms on December 12, 1963.
The coat of arms has undergone several changes over the years. In 1964, the rooster was added to the design to symbolize the dawn of a new day. In 1985, the Maasai warrior’s headdress was added to the design to represent Kenya’s cultural heritage. The current design of the coat of arms was adopted in 2013, with minor changes to the positioning of the elements.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of Kenya’s national identity and is used on official documents, government buildings, and national monuments. It is also featured on the country’s flag, which was adopted on December 12, 1963, the same day the coat of arms was officially adopted.
In conclusion, the national coat of arms of Kenya is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and natural resources. It represents the struggle for independence, the promise of prosperity, and the country’s diverse heritage. The coat of arms is a reminder of Kenya’s past and a symbol of its future.