Wiki:
Jamhuri Day is a national holiday in Kenya, celebrated on 12 December each year.[1] Jamhuri is the Swahili word for “republic” and the holiday is officially to mark the date of Kenya’s establishment as a republic on 12 December, 1964. However, the country also gained full independence from the United Kingdom one year earlier on 12 December, 1963, so Jamhuri Day is a double event and is generally regarded as Kenya’s most important holiday, marked by numerous cultural festivities which celebrate the country’s cultural heritage.
Jamhuri Day is often associated with Dedan Kimathi, the executed leader of the famous Mau Mau, regarded by many Kenyans as the hero who lifted the nation on his shoulders toward independence but he was executed before he completed his mision.
Another bit of official history from an official kenyan government website.
Kenya got her Indepedence in 1963 and became a Republic in 1964. Kenya has had two former Presidents: His Excellency The Late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, C.G.H., M.P. (1964 - 1978) and His Excellency Mzee Daniel T. A. Moi, C.G.H., M.P. (1978 - 2002).