National arms of Kenya

From Heraldry of the World
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Logo-new.jpg
Heraldry of the World
Kenya.jpg
Kenya heraldry portal
Civic heraldry of Kenya
Kenya-flag.gif

THE NATIONAL ARMS OF KENYA

Coat of arms (crest) of National arms of Kenya

Official blazon

Arms: Per fees sable and vert, on a fess gules fimbriated argent a cock grasping in the dexter claw an axle 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: Mount Kenya proper containing in the foreground examples of Kenya agricultural produce – coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples.
Motto: Harambee

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on October 15, 1963.

The shape of the shield and spears are those used by the Masaii tribe. Harambee is the motto of the chief political party KANU (Kenya Afrikan National Union) and means "all pull together". It was used by the first President Jomo Kenyatta to try to turn 50-60 disparate tribes into one nation at independence.

The chicken is the symbol of the KANU party.The shield colours represent the struggle for independence - green is the earth, red is the blood of the Mau Mau warriers for independence and black the rich soils. The lions are obviously a key animal in Kenya's wildlife parks.

Ke-c1.jpg

The arms on a coin

Contact and Support

Partners:

Your logo here ?
Contact us



© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink Ralf Hartemink arms.jpg
Index of the site

Literature :