Kenya National Anthem: Full Lyrics in English & Kiswahili (Meaning & History)

The Kenya National Anthem, "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" ("O God of All Creation"), is one of the most meaningful songs in the country. Below you'll find the full lyrics in both Kiswahili and English — all three stanzas — along with the meaning of the words, the story of who wrote it, and where to find the music to play or sing it.

Kenya National Anthem lyrics in Kiswahili

Stanza 1 Ee Mungu nguvu yetu Ilete baraka kwetu Haki iwe ngao na mlinzi Natukae na undugu Amani na uhuru Raha tupate na ustawi.

Stanza 2 Amkeni ndugu zetu Tufanye sote bidii Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu Nchi yetu ya Kenya Tunayoipenda Tuwe tayari kuilinda.

Stanza 3 Natujenge taifa letu Ee, ndio wajibu wetu Kenya istahili heshima Tuungane mikono Pamoja kazini Kila siku tuwe na shukrani.

Kenya National Anthem lyrics in English

Stanza 1 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.

Stanza 2 Let one and all arise With hearts both strong and true Service be our earnest endeavour And our homeland of Kenya Heritage of splendour Firm may we stand to defend.

Stanza 3 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.

What the anthem means

Read together, the three stanzas move through a simple, powerful journey:

In short: prayer, to duty, to thanksgiving — a vision of a united, hardworking and grateful nation.

Who composed the Kenya National Anthem?

The anthem was adopted in 1963, the year Kenya gained independence. Its words and harmony were prepared by a specially appointed anthem commission whose members included Graham Hyslop, George W. Senoga-Zake, Thomas Kalume, Peter Kibukosya and Washington Omondi.

What makes it special is that it grew out of a traditional Kenyan melody — a Pokomo lullaby from the coast — rather than a European march. That indigenous root is a big part of why the anthem feels so gentle, singable and distinctly Kenyan.

How many stanzas does the anthem have?

Three. On most formal occasions the first stanza is sung, but all three form the complete anthem and are often performed together at national events.

Want to play or sing it?

If you'd like to perform the anthem yourself:

Learn to sing or play with Cheza

Whether you want to sing the anthem beautifully or accompany it on an instrument, our teachers at Cheza Music School in Nairobi can help — for children and adults alike.

Frequently asked questions

What are the full lyrics of the Kenya National Anthem in English?

All three stanzas are listed above, beginning "O God of all creation, bless this our land and nation…".

Who wrote the Kenya National Anthem?

An anthem commission including Graham Hyslop, George W. Senoga-Zake, Thomas Kalume, Peter Kibukosya and Washington Omondi, based on a traditional Pokomo lullaby. It was adopted in 1963.

How many stanzas does the Kenya National Anthem have?

Three — moving from a prayer for the nation, to a call to service, to a shared commitment to build Kenya together.

Where can I get the sheet music or notes?

Download the free anthem sheet music, and see our piano guide for notes and solfa tips.