| Republic Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Official name | Jamhuri Day |
| Observed by |  Kenya |
| Significance | Celebrates the founding of the Republic of Kenya |
| Celebrations | Trooping of the Colour, Festivals |
| Date | 12 December |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Independence of Kenya |
Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) is a national holiday in Kenya, celebrated on 12 December each year.[1] Jamhuri is the Swahili word for "republic" and the holiday officially marks the date when Kenya became an independent country on 12 December 1963, six months and eleven days after gaining internal self-rule on 1 June 1963 (Madaraka Day) from the United Kingdom. Kenya later became a republic, with the inauguration of Jomo Kenyatta as president taking place on 12 December 1964, exactly one year after Kenya attained independence in 1963. Kenyatta, having previously been sworn in as prime minister, continued as prime minister of newly independent Kenya, before assuming the position of president one year after Independence Day.
- ^ Facts and Figures Government of Kenya, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Accessed 1 June 2011)