Kenya | 1970 | 5 Cents | Mzee Jomo Kenyatta






Mzee Jomo Kenyatta


Jomo Kenyatta (1894–1978) was Kenya’s founding leader, guiding the country from independence in 1963 until his death. He served as Prime Minister (1963–64) and then President (1964–78). An influential intellectual and Pan-Africanist, he authored several books and played a central role in shaping modern Kenya. He was also the father of Uhuru Kenyatta, Kenya’s fourth president.

Kenyatta’s legacy is widely memorialised: major landmarks, institutions, streets, and statues across Kenya bear his name, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Kenyatta University. His image long appeared on Kenyan currency, and Kenyatta Day (20 October) was observed as a national holiday until it became Mashujaa Day under the 2010 constitution, which also banned portraits of individuals on currency.

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