What is the difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day?
Countries that were colonised have an Independence Day. In Kenya, it is called Jamhuri Day, commemorated on December 12 every year. Kenyans also celebrate Madaraka Day on June 1, which is often confused with Jamhuri Day. Learn the difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day and their significance in the Kenyan calendar.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day
- What is the difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day in Swahili?
- What happened on 12th December 1964 in Kenya?
- What happened in Kenya on 12th December 1963?
- How to write a composition about Jamhuri Day
Key takeaways
- Before the promulgation of the new constitution in 2010, there was a need for more clarity about national holidays in the country. They seemed to be dished out at the pleasure of the head of state, hence the creation of some like Moi Day and Kenyatta Day.
- The new constitution brought a new and well-defined significance to national holidays. Article 8 of the constitution recognises Madaraka Day, Jamhuri Day, and others as national holidays.
- Jamhuri Day is celebrated on 12th December. Whereas Madaraka Day is celebrated on 1st June. Jamhuri Day marks the date when Kenya became a republic, whereas Madaraka Day marks the date when Kenya gained internal self-rule.
Difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day
Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day are public holidays in Kenya marked annually through public events. Here are more insights about the two occasions.
What is the meaning of Madaraka Day?
The word "Madaraka" translates to "power" or "authority" in Swahili.
When is Madaraka Day celebrated?
Madaraka Day is celebrated on June 1 every year, and if it falls on a Sunday, it is usually celebrated the following Monday. The national holiday is also recognised in the Kenyan constitution as a significant public holiday.
Why is Madaraka Day celebrated?
It is the day that Kenya gained internal self-governance. Kenya had been a British colony since 1920. The Europeans' entrance to Kenya can be traced to 1885 when the Germans invaded the coast of Kenya, which the Sultan of Zanzibar had previously occupied.
However, the Germans were overthrown by Great Britain, and they set up the East Africa Protectorate in 1895. By 1920, Kenya became a British colony.
Years later, after a great struggle that led to guerrilla warfare spearheaded by the Mau Mau, Kenya attained internal self-rule on June 1, 1963. Jomo Kenyatta was appointed as the prime minister. That is why Kenyans celebrate Madaraka Day on June 1, and the term perfectly represents what was earned that day: power.
How is Madaraka Day celebrated?
During Madaraka Day, Kenyans gather at the venue designated by the government to commemorate the moment Kenya earned self-internal governance.
During the event, there are military parades, singing and dancing, and the President gives a historical speech about the struggle for freedom, among many other things affecting the country.
What is the meaning of Jamhuri Day?
The word "Jamhuri" is a Swahili word meaning a republic. Jamhuri Day is a government-recognised holiday in Kenya.
When is Jamhuri Day celebrated?
It is celebrated on December 12.
Why is Jamhuri Day celebrated?
The day marks when Kenya became a republic. Kenya joined the Commonwealth, and the true path to independence commenced. Jamhuri Day can be termed Kenya's Independence Day, which was gained in 1963.
How is Jamhuri Day celebrated?
The day is commemorated yearly with festivities honouring Kenya's heritage and looking at its journey to independence and self-governance. Therefore, you will notice the regular Trooping of the Colour.
Jamhuri Day celebrations start at 11:30 AM after the head of state takes the national salute and inspects the parade. The ceremony is followed by traditions like inspection of the parade, the band playing a patriotic tune, and much more. The band also plays the first verse of Kenya's National anthem.
What is the difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day in Kenya?
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The first difference is that the national holidays are commemorated on different days. One is celebrated on June 1, while Jamhuri Day is celebrated on December 12.
Another thing is that the reasons for celebrating the popular holidays are quite different. People celebrate Madaraka Day to mark the day that Kenya attained self-rule after years of British rule. The East Africa Protectorate governed Kenya, which was fully British.
Madaraka Day in English means "freedom". At this point, decades ago, Kenya was a monarchy under the Queen, with Jomo Kenyatta as the Prime Minister.
Jamhuri Day officially marks the date Kenya became an independent republic with a head of state. Jomo Kenyatta became the President of Kenya and was assigned the roles of head of state and head of government.
That is why Jamhuri Day is regarded as the most important day in Kenya and is marked with great vigour by the government and citizens.
During the day, the President gives various orders, decorations, and medals to Kenyans in recognition of their distinguished service to the country. The President is informed of the awards issued by the National Honours and Awards Committee.
What is the difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day in Swahili?
Jamhuri is a Swahili word for republic, whereas Madaraka means freedom.
What happened on 12th December 1964 in Kenya?
Kenya became a republic.
What happened in Kenya on 12th December 1963?
Kenya gained full independence.
How to write a composition about Jamhuri Day
Think about a previous Jamhuri Day celebration and write about the things you did during that day.
The difference between Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day lies in the historical events that transpired. Madaraka Day marks when Kenya gained self-internal rule, while Jamhuri Day is celebrated to commemorate the day Kenya gained independence and became a republic.
Are you looking for more information about Mashujaa Day? Tuko.co.ke featured an informative article providing more information about the important holiday on the Kenyan calendar.
Mashujaaa Day is celebrated on October 20, but most people are now aware of why Kenyans commemorate the day. So, what is the story behind October 20?
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Asher Omondi (Copyeditor) Asher Omondi is a political and current affairs editor with over six years of experience in digital media. Previously, he had worked in various organisations both as a social media manager and a monitor (FEMNET, Ghafla Kenya). He was a Broadcast Journalism student at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication class of 2013. You can reach Asher at asher.omondi@tuko.co.ke.
Simon Ayub (Lifestyle writer) Simon Ayub is a Content Manager, Strategist, and writer who joined Tuko's team in 2019. He graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Agricultural Economics and is a CPA. Simon has over a decade of experience creating content for nyagah.co.ke, the Hoth and other platforms. He works on content encompassing biographies, fashion and lifestyle, gaming, and more. Simon was awarded the "Writer of the Year" 2024 on Tuko. In 2023, Simon finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and, in 2024, expanded their skills through the Google Initiative Course. You can reach him via simonayub@gmail.com.
