Jamhuri Day, also called Independence Day, is one of the most important national holidays in Kenya. Jamhuri Day is observed on December 12 every year, and December 13 is also a day off for most businesses. The day marks the date in 1964 when the country was formally admitted into the Commonwealth as a republic. “Jamhuri” is the Swahili word for Republic. December 12 is also the date when Kenya obtained its independence from Great Britain in 1963. The day is celebrated with many events such as feasts, political speeches, and parades, all of which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.
The first colonists from Europe that made their way to Kenya were German. In 1890, the region came under the control of the Imperial British East Africa Company, and Kenya was part of the British East Africa protectorate till it was recognized as a British colony in 1920. The first direct elections took place in 1957, when the Kenya African National Union was led by Jomo Kenyatta, forming the first government.
Kenya was under British rule since the late 19th century, and the country officially became a British colony in 1920. The colonial administration denied African demands for a greater role in the political process. It wouldn’t be until 1944 that a Kenyan was included in the colony’s legislature. This did not change much, and disputes regarding land and cultural traditions continued. However, the movement against colonial rule grew, culminating in the Mau Mau uprisings in the late 1950s. During these uprisings, the country was plunged into a state of emergency through most of the decade. The Mau Mau uprisings helped Kenya gain some social and economic concessions. The greatest success of these uprisings was that African political participation increased in the early 1960s.
Kenya gained independence on December 12, 1963. A year later, the country became a republic. Jomo Kenyatta was Kenya’s first president. Jamhuri Day is a day of national, cultural, and historical significance in Kenya. Every proud Kenyan celebrates the holiday and remembers their long struggle for freedom. Celebrations of Jamhuri Day include feasts, political speeches, parades, and dancing.
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