Independence Day

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 13. Independence Day. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Jamhuri.

Independence Day is celebrated in Kenya every year on December 12 to commemorate the day Kenya gained independence from British rule.

This lesson will highlight how Kenyans celebrate this day.

Now, before we get into more details, do you know the answer to this question-

What does it mean for a country to be independent, and what was Kenya's status before it attained independence?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

Every year on December 12, Kenyans gather together at Nyayo National Stadium to sing the Kenyan National Anthem, called wimbo wa taifa, and enjoy a parade, or in Swahili gwaride, that is put on by soldiers to entertain the president and all the citizens in attendance. Civil servants wear uniforms, or mavazi rasmi, that match their occupation.

Political speeches are presented starting with representatives from each of the counties, the vice president, and lastly, the president. All the speakers praise those who fought for independence, especially Dedan Kimathi, a Kenyan patriot who was eventually hanged because of his enduring struggle for independence.

Kenyans celebrate independence by singing the cultural songs that were sung during the MAU MAU rebellion, in Swahili known as wakongwe wa MauMau, while poets, singers, and drummers educate youth about the history of Kenyan independence. After the public event, many people choose to either return home or go to theaters to watch movies about Kenyan independence while enjoying some of Kenya’s most popular dishes, in particular roast meat.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What does it mean for a country to be independent, and what was Kenya's status before it attained independence?

Kenyan independence is held with great importance in the hearts of the Kenyan people because it marks the end of colonial rule by the British. Nowadays, Kenya is a sovereign nation ruled by leaders who are democratically elected by the people.