(Photo by Kureng Work from Pexels )
Happy Independence Day, Kenya! On December 12th, 1963, the Republic of Kenya, or Jamhuri Ya Kenya, gained independence from the British. The country refers to its independence day as Jamhuri Day. Jamhuri is a Swahili word that means republic. To celebrate the country’s independence, we are exploring wise proverbs from the East African country.
1. Try this bracelet: if it fits you, you wear it; but if it hurts you, throw it away, no matter how shiny
2. A donkey always says thank you with a kick
3. No one can pass twice between the thighs of an elephant
4. At the harvest you know how good the millet is
( Photo by Kureng Work from Pexels )
5. Anyone who urinates in a stream should be warned because any of his relatives may drink from the water
6. Good fortune doesn’t roar like a lion
7. He who keeps the company of a bad person, themselves becomes bad
8. The water of the river flows on without waiting for the thirsty man
(A Kenyan elephant. Elephants are seen as a symbol of wisdom in African societies. Photo by Vishva Patel from Pexels )
9. After a foolish deed comes remorse
10. How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves
11. No matter how tall your grandfather is, you have to do your own growing
12. When the figs are ripe all the birds want to eat
(Seller poses in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo by David Iloba from Pexels )
13. Two watermelons cannot be held under one arm
14. Do not follow a person who is running away
15. He who does not look ahead always remains behind
16. It is better to have a flat tyre on your Pajero than to have a troublesome friend
17. The value of light is noticed when night falls
What is your favorite African proverb? Comment below!
Works Cited
https://answersafrica.com/40-kenyan-proverbs-reflect-life.html
https://proverbicals.com/kenyan-proverbs
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/learn-swahili-21-inspirational-kanga-sayings/HgJClAZer2a1Lw
https://www.tuko.co.ke/292868-jamhuri-day-meaning-history.html
