As the month of May came to an end in 1964, there was jubilation in the air throughout Kenya as Kenyans prepared for the first anniversary of Madaraka Day. Harambee was in full swing and was then a word that had transitioned into the country’s motto. It initially began as a call on the dawn of the first Madaraka Day in 1963. In essence, Harambee was intended to remind Kenyans that we are a community – that we ‘all pull together’ as the word translates to.
365 days later, Kenyans gathered in different corners of the country to watch and listen to the inaugural celebrations. Some sources suggest that the address to the nation happened at the Parliament Grounds, while others suggest Uhuru Gardens. Given the significance of Madaraka, of Harambee, and the multitudes the national event attracted, it’s likely the latter was the venue.
Among the highlights of the ‘64 celebrations was the inauguration of the Kenya Air Force – the second of three of Kenya’s armed forces. Emperor Haile Selassie was present as the Chief Guest having accepted Kenyatta’s invitation. He was also notably the first foreign dignitary invited to Kenya by the president
By June 1965 it was clear that Madaraka Day held a special meaning. It was a key mid-year reflection date for Kenyans to celebrate but also reflect on the road to self-rule and the advancements that came with having our own in leadership. The president’s speech that year focused on the unity and security of the nation. He mentioned the increment in school enrolment and introduced free medical services for all children at government health institutions. In his words: “Our nation has an urgent responsibility towards children. This is in keeping with our traditions.”
Four years later, in May, the president officiated the opening of Uhuru Park. These grounds boasted a newness to the growing city. Its proximity to the CBD made it even more ideal as the location for the 1969 Madaraka Day celebrations.
1970 marked the beginning of a fresh decade for the Kenyan government. It was an opportunity to map out a progress course for the coming years. After all, Kenya had marked nearly 10 years since the beginning of self-rule. Madaraka Day speeches generally followed the theme of economic independence due to the underdevelopment of Kenya’s human talent and resources then. Additionally, there was mention of the development of rural areas as these were (and still are) the country’s agricultural hubs.
Unfortunately, two years later at the 10-year jubilee, economic independence was still a topic of discussion. Still, there was mention of progress in the unity of what was termed the United States of Africa – showing that African unity would benefit all Africa states. In this way, Madaraka Day celebrations remained rooted in celebration and freedom from colonialism. Kenyans could gain hope for a better and brighter tomorrow because of Madaraka Day.
1978 was Kenya’s first season of transition post-independence. This year marked the end of the first independent government’s regime. A ‘rebranded version’ of the Harambee philosophy was also ushered in. Kenya’s second president introduced the Nyayo philosophy whose central themes were peace, love and unity.
Change in times and changes in seasons later, we can truly take a moment to reflect on Madaraka Day. It is the day when we pull together, reflect on the journey before self-rule, and stay united in our vision for a prosperous Kenya
#KeMadaraka
