Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu

"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (English: "O God, of all Creation", lit. '"O God, our strength"') is the national anthem of Kenya.

Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
English: O God, of all Creation
National anthem of  Kenya
LyricsGraham Hyslop, G. W. Senoga-Zake, Thomas Kalume, Peter Kibukosya, Washington Omondi, 1963 (1963)
MusicCollectively, 1963 (1963)
Adopted1963 (1963)
Audio sample
"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (instrumental)
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History

"Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu"'s lyrics were originally written in Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. Unlike some other countries' national anthems which were written or composed by foreigners, the Kenyan national anthem was prepared by local people. The commission included five members and was headed by the Kenya Music Adviser. It was based on a traditional tune sung by Pokomo mothers to their children.[1]

It is notable for being one of the first national anthems to be specifically commissioned as such. It was written by the Kenyan Anthem Commission in 1963 to serve as the state anthem after independence from the United Kingdom.[2] It was expected that the lyrics would express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the people as a whole.[1]

Lyrics
Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu
Swahili lyricsEnglish lyricsLiteral English translation
First stanza

Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi.

 O God of all creation

Bless this our land and nation

Justice be our shield and defender

May we dwell in unity

Peace and liberty

Plenty be found within our borders.

O God our strength
Bring a blessing to us
Justice be our shield and defender
Let us have brotherhood
Peace and freedom.
Happiness we get and prosperity.

Second stanza

Amkeni ndugu zetu
 Tufanye sote bidii
 Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu
 Nchi yetu ya Kenya
 Tunayoipenda
 Tuwe tayari kuilinda

 Let one and all arise

With hearts both strong and true

Service be our earnest endeavour

And our homeland of Kenya

Heritage and splendour

Firm may we stand to defend.

Awake, our brethren;
Let's all work hard
And let us give ourselves mightily
Our country of Kenya
We love it
Let's be ready to defend it

Third stanza

Natujenge taifa letu
 Eeh, ndio wajibu wetu
 Kenya istahili heshima
 Tuungane mikono
 Pamoja kazini
 Kila siku tuwe na shukrani

 Let all with one accord

In common bond united

Build this our nation together

And the glory of Kenya

The fruit of our labour

Fill every heart with thanksgiving.

Let's build our nation
Yes, that's our responsibility
Kenya deserves respect
Let's join hands
Together at work
Every day let us be grateful.

During the Olympics, only first and third stanza instrumental was used.

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References
  1. "Selecting Kenya's National Anthem". Archived from the original on 2014-08-29. Retrieved 2016-07-31. Selecting Kenya's National Anthem
  2. "Kenya - Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu - National Anthems of the World from NationalAnthems.me". Retrieved 28 August 2016.
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