Coat of arms of Kenya
| Coat of arms of Kenya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Armiger | Republic of Kenya |
| Adopted | 1963 |
| Shield | Per fess sable and vert, on a fess gules fimbriated argent a cock grasping in the dexter claw an axe also argent. |
| Supporters | On either side a lion or, grasping in the interior forepaw a spear of estate, the hafts of the spears crossed in saltire behind the shield. |
| Compartment | The whole upon a compartment representingMount Kenyaproper. |
| Motto | Harambee (Let's pull together inSwahili) |
Thecoat of armsofKenyafeatures twolions,a symbol of protection, holdingspearsand a traditional East Africanshield.The shield and spears symbolize unity and defence of freedom. The shield contains thenational colours,representing:[1]
- Black for the people of Kenya.
- Red for the blood shed during the struggle for freedom.
- Green for the agriculture and natural resources.
- White for unity and peace.
On the shield is a rooster holding an axe while moving forward, portraying authority, the will to work, success, and the break of a new dawn. It is also the symbol ofKenya African National Union(KANU) party that led the country to independence.
The shield and lions stand on a silhouette ofMount Kenyacontaining in the foreground examples of Kenya agricultural produce -coffee,pyrethrum,sisal,tea,maizeandpineapples.
The coat of arms is supported by a scroll upon which is written the word 'Harambee'. InSwahili,Harambee means "pulling together" or "all for one".
Description
[edit]Kenya national law lays forth a heraldicblazon,or official description of the coat of arms:[2]
Arms.— Per fess sable and vert, on a fess gules fimbriated argent a cock grasping in the dexter claw an axe also argent.
Supporters.— On either side a lion or, grasping in the interior forepaw a spear of estate, the hafts of the spears crossed in saltire behind the shield.
The whole upon a compartment representing Mount Kenya proper.
Motto.—Harambee.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Kenya National Archives."Kenya Armorial Ensigns".Archived fromthe originalon 2006-06-10.Retrieved2008-07-31.
- ^Laws of Kenya: National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act
