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| Coat of arms of Kenya | |
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| Details | |
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| Armiger | Republic of Kenya |
| Adopted | 1963 |
| Escutcheon | On an African shield: Per fess sable and vert, a fess Gules fimbriated argent charged with a cock erect argent bearing an axe argent |
| Supporters | Two lions rampant proper |
| Compartment | Mount Kenya with coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples. |
| Motto | Swahili: HARAMBEE Let us all pull together |
| Other elements | Two spears crossed behind the arms |
The coat of arms of Kenya features two lions, a symbol of protection, holding spears and a traditional East African shield. The shield and spears symbolize unity and defence of freedom. The shield contains the national colours, representing:[1]
- Black for the people of Kenya
- Green for the agriculture and natural resources
- Red for the struggle for freedom
- White for unity and peace.
The middle red strip bears a rooster holding an axe, which according to local customs, denotes a new and prosperous life.
The shield and lions stand on a silhouette of Mount Kenya containing in the foreground examples of Kenya agricultural produce - coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples.
The coat of arms is supported by a scroll upon which is written the word 'Harambee'. In Swahili, Harambee means "pulling together" or "all for one". It is the cry of the fishermen as they draw their nets towards the shore. The same word is echoed by everyone when a collective effort is made for the common good, such as helping a family in need, or the construction of a school or a church.
References
- ^ Kenya National Archives. "Kenya Armorial Ensigns". Retrieved on 2008-07-31.
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