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Kenyan Flag
Introduction: Comprehensive details regarding the national flag of Kenya: details include symbolism of colours, flag etiquette, design and information about the history and origin of the Kenyan Flag.
Kenya Flag Description
The Kenyan flag has three equal width horizontal bands of black (top), red (middle) and green (bottom) colours running from left to right separated by white stripes, with a symmetrical shield and white spears superimposed in the middle.
The flag of Kenya was officially adopted on December 12, 1963. The flag has a ratio of 3:2.
Kenyan Flag Symbolism and Meaning
The Colours
Black: Black represents the black majority people of Kenya.
Red: Red represents the blood shed during the struggle of freedom and independence.
Green: Green represents the fertility of the Kenyan land and natural wealth.
White: The two, narrow, white fimbriation symbolizes peace and unity.
The Shield
The black, red and white traditional Maasai (warrior) shield and two white spears represent Kenya's defence of freedom, pride and tradition.
Origin Of The Kenyan Flag
It is based on the black over red over green flag of KANU (Kenya African National Union), the political party that led the fight for freedom and independence of Kenya. On independence, the white fimbriation, symbolizing peace and unity, was added.
Terminology & Etiquette in Kenyan Flag display
Terminology
- Hoist - the act of raising the Kenyan flag, as on a rope
- Manner of hoisting - The Kenyan flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
- Half Staff or Half Mast - the Kenyan flag is hoisted to half of the potential height of the flag pole to denote grief and mourning.
Performed by first raising the Kenyan flag to the top, then lowering the flag halfway. - Distress - denoted by flying the Kenyan flag upside-down.
Kenyan Flag Etiquette
The Kenyan Flag Etiquette is strict in ensuring the fundamental protocols and rules are followed correctly in ensuring proper treatment of the Kenyan Flag.
The Basic Kenyan flag etiquette is as follows:
- Etiquette relating to the order of precedence for the flag
- National Flag of Kenya
- State Flag of Kenya
- Military Flag of Kenya (in order of creation date)
- Other Flags of Kenya (e.g. City Council Flag)
- Due care and consideration must be taken to ensure that the Kenyan flag is always flown the correct way up (red band on top and the spears pointed upwards).
- No disrespect should be shown to the Kenyan flag.
- The Kenyan flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit the Flag to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.
- The Kenyan flag should never be allowed to drag along the ground.
- A faded or tattered flag of Kenya should be removed and replaced with a new flag
- A Flag of Kenya, when in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning it in private with all due care and respect.
- The Kenyan flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing on the flag of any nature.
- The Kenyan flag should be hoisted first and lowered last.
- International Flag Etiquette relating to Kenyan Flag usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.
