![Vintage flag of Kenya with Happy Madaraka Day written over it](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6b3698_454d905e96cf4319bb691fc4d3eaa0aa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_103,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/6b3698_454d905e96cf4319bb691fc4d3eaa0aa~mv2.jpg)
Happy Madaraka Day to all Kenyan people.
As well as the start of PRIDE month, today is also Madaraka Day, a national holiday celebrated every 1 June in the Republic of Kenya.
It commemorates the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule after being a British colony since 1920.
Kenya only attained partial independence on this day in 1963 and did not become a fully established republic until about a year and a half later on 12 December 1964. In recognition of the above, Kenya also celebrates Jamhuri Day (Republic Day) on the 12th of December every year.
Madaraka Day is a reminder of the power of unity. Let’s celebrate diversity, and all work together towards a better future.
Madaraka is a Swahili word for "authority, ruling power".