Kenya Madaraka Day
On June 1 each year, Kenya celebrates Madaraka Day, a day commemorating the beginning of Kenyan self-rule. “Madaraka” is a Kiswahili word meaning “responsibility” and June 1st signifies the day the British colonial rulers handed over the responsibility of governing Kenya to the Kenyan people.
For most of the 1950s, the Mau Mau had been fighting in the central Kenyan highlands against British rule. Tens of thousands of Kenyans had been killed during the fighting with the British and suffered relatively low losses. However, the rebellions led to increased political involvement by Kenyans and eventually, on June 1, 1963, the British handed over the reins to the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and its leader, Jomo Kenyatta, became in the first Prime Minister of Kenya.
Although Kenya now had internal self-government, it was not yet fully independent from colonial power. So Madaraka Day is not the same as Kenyan Independence Day, which is celebrated in December. Independence came six months after Madaraka, on December 12, 1963. Another year later, Kenya became a Republic and Kenyatta’s title was elevated to President of the Republic of Kenya.
Today, Madaraka Day is one of the great celebrations in Kenya. The main event is the President’s speech at the Nyayo Stadium along with singers and dancers from all over the country performing traditional songs.
In 2013, Kenya celebrated its Jubilee: 50 years of independence. There were mixed reactions from the public about Kenya’s progress over the past 50 years and as a foreigner living in Kenya it was very interesting to hear the feedback. Some people said that with the high levels of corruption in the government, Kenya has made no progress at all since independence, while others were positive about Kenya’s development and simply enjoyed the fact that they had been free of colonial power for 50 years. years.
One day safaris in Madaraka
Madaraka Day is a public holiday in Kenya and is usually marked by a long weekend giving Kenyans the opportunity to travel. It’s also at the end of the rainy season, giving Kenyans all the more reason to get out of the city and enjoy a vacation. An incredible 4×4 rally in isolated bushland, Rhino Charge takes place on Madaraka Day weekend every year. Even for non-competitors, it’s a fun event: camping, watching amazing driving feats, and partying every night. In 2015, the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival was also held on the Madaraka Day weekend, but whether it will stay on these dates next year is yet to be confirmed.
Kenyans definitely know how to celebrate their holidays, so as you plan your safari, take a look at the calendar and try to plan it around one of these events. Or you can contact us ([email protected]) and we can give you some holiday and festival ideas that you can enjoy in Kenya throughout the year.