CA Country Anthems

Kenya National Anthem History

Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu

Kenya's national anthem, "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu," was the first in Africa commissioned by a government group. Its melody is based on a traditional Kenyan folk song, embodying an "Eastern folk" style.

Kenya Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu

Kenya

Language
English
Anthem
Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
Duration
1:52
Status
Adopted in 1963, "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" remains Kenya's national anthem, used in both Swahili and English.

History timeline

  1. 1963

    A government-commissioned group was formed to create Kenya's national anthem.

  2. 1963

    The group decided to base the anthem's melody on a traditional Kenyan folk song.

  3. 1963

    Criteria included adaptability for English and Swahili lyrics, and performance by a military band.

  4. 1963

    On December 12, the anthem "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" was adopted for Kenya's independence.

The melody of Kenya's national anthem is derived from a traditional Kenyan folk song, historically sung by mothers to their children.