Republic of Kenya Coat of Arms, 1963
At independence on 12 December 1963, Kenya adopted its coat of arms. Two lions, symbols of protection, hold spears and a traditional East African shield in the national colours, symbolising unity and the defence of freedom. On the shield is a rooster holding an axe, the symbol of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party that led the country to independence. The shield and lions stand on a silhouette of Mount Kenya with examples of agricultural produce. The scroll has Kenya’s motto, “Harambee”: Swahili for “pulling together” or “all for one”.