| Coat of arms of Kenya | |
|---|---|
| Details | |
| Armiger | Republic of Kenya |
| Adopted | 1963 |
| Escutcheon | An African shield: Per fess sable and vert, a fess Gules fimbriated charged with a cock erect bearing an axe argent with two crossed spears gules crossed behind the shield |
| Supporters | Two lions rampant Or armed and langued gules holding a two crossed spears gules |
| Compartment | Mount Kenya with coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples. |
| Motto | Swahili: HARAMBEE Let us all pull together |
The coat of arms of Kenya features two lions, a symbol of protection, holding spears and a traditional East African shield. The shield and spears symbolize unity and defence of freedom. The shield contains the national colors, representing:[1]
The middle red strip bears a rooster holding an axe, which according to local customs, denotes a new and prosperous life.
The shield and lions stand on a silhouette of Mount Kenya containing in the foreground examples of Kenya agricultural produce - coffee, pyrethrum, sisal, tea, maize and pineapples.
The coat of arms is supported by a scroll upon which is written the word 'Harambee'. In Swahili, Harambee means "pulling together" or "all for one". It is the cry of the fishermen as they draw their nets towards the shore. The same word is echoed by everyone when a collective effort is made for the common good, such as helping a family in need, or the construction of a school or a church.