Madaraka Day

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 10, Madaraka Day. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Madaraka.

Madaraka Day is a day celebrated by Kenyans to commemorate the day Kenya gained independence, or uhuru, from the British in 1963. It’s celebrated on the first of June every year.

This lesson will highlight how Kenyans commemorate the day they gained sovereignty.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Why is Madaraka Day also celebrated outside the borders of Kenya?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

During the ceremony held for Madaraka Day, the first events held include a cultural performance. Patriotic songs and Cultural songs, or Wimbo wa kale, from different regions of Kenya are sung to entertain government officials and ordinary citizens who gather at the Nyayo National Stadium or ukumbi wa kitaifa wa Nyayo.

Members of different units of the Kenyan armed forces or mwanajeshi, also entertain those who have gathered, putting on shows with musical instruments. The president of Kenya then inspects the honor guard and gives an eagerly awaited speech, a common practice during public holidays. Those who cannot attend the event in Nyayo Stadium follow along on television or by reading the newspaper the following day.

After the ceremonies come to an end, people like to relax, some families taking the opportunity to go for a picnic, or pikniki, and to enjoy sports in public parks. Some people travel upcountry, and may celebrate by slaughtering a goat or a chicken, as no celebration in Kenya is complete without an assortment of meat dishes. In Nairobi and other big cities, businesses close, except for those in the transportation industry, as this is a popular day for many people to travel around and once again experience their homeland.

Though technically Kenyans became independent on this day, it was six months after this day that Kenya was officially declared an independent republic. Jamhuri, which is celebrated on December 12, is the day Kenya gained its full independence.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Why is Madaraka Day also celebrated outside the borders of Kenya?

Madaraka Day is an official day celebrated by all Kenyans who love their country, including those who live abroad.