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.
History
Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu”‘s lyrics were originally written in Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. 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.
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. It was expected that the lyrics would express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the people as a whole.
Lyrics
Swahili original | IPA transcription | Literal English translation | English lyrics |
---|---|---|---|
I II III | 1 2 3 | I II III | I II III |
East African Anthem
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.
History
Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu”‘s lyrics were originally written in Kiswahili, the national language of Kenya. 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.
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. It was expected that the lyrics would express the deepest convictions and the highest aspirations of the people as a whole.
Lyrics
Oh God of all creations
Bless this land and nation
Justice be our shield and defender
May we dwell in unity peace and liberty
Plenty be found within our borders
Let one and all arise
With hearts both strong and true
Service be our earnest endeavor
And our homeland of Kenya
The heritage of splendor
Firm many we stand to defend
Let all with one accord
In common bond united
Build this our nation together
And the glory of Kenya
The fruits of our labour
Fill every heart with thanksgiving.
Ee Mungu nguvu yetu
Ilete Baraka kwetu
Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi
Natukae na undugu
Amani na uhuru
Raha tupate na ustawi
Amkeni ndugu zetu
Tufanye sote bidii
Nasii tujitoe kwa nguvu
Nchi yetu ya Kenya
Tunayoipenda
Tuwe tayari kuilinda
Natujenge taifa letu
Ee, ndio wajibu wetu
Kenya istahili heshima
Tuungane mikono
Pamoja kazini
Kila siku tuwe na shukrani