The Kenya National Anthem

The title of the Kenya National Anthem is “Oh God of All Creation” or in Swahili: “Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu”.

Like to hear it? Turn up the volume and just click on the vid below... and I'll use my Evil Eye to see if you salute :-)



The National Anthem in English:

“Oh God of all creation
Bless this our land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell 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 with 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.”

And In Swahili:

“Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi.

Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya
Tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda

Natujenge taifa letu
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono
Pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani.”

The national anthem became official in 1963, the date of Kenya’s independence. The words were written by a commission appointed by the government, consisting of Thomas Kalume, Washington Omondi, Peter Kibukosya, George Senoga-Zake and Graham Hyslop.

The task given to them by the government was to select a tune that took into account the traditional music of Kenya, which would both have dignity and also lend itself to harmonisation and orchestration for performance by orchestras and military bands. The music would also have to fit both the English and Swahili lyrics.

Tunes from many parts of the country were considered. The final choice was a tune sung by mothers for their children from Pokomo country.

The lyrics were meant to establish a common identity for Kenyans from all tribes and to express convictions held deeply by all of them.

Related Pages:

Quick Facts about Kenya
The Facts About Kenya's Flag

Introduction to Kenya History

From Kenya National Anthem to the Homepage

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