Patriotism is a love of and loyalty to one’s country. It's also the feeling of attachment for one’s country. This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings, language relating to one’s homeland, ethnic, tribe, political, cultural or historical aspects. Patriotism encompasses devotion and immense support for the nation.  

It embodies sacrifice for the country to protect its honour. It means identifying and understanding the ideals that the nation recognizes. The word Patriotism comes from a Greek word meaning “fatherland”. A person who supports, loves and defends one’s country is referred to as a patriot.  

Our founding father the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta defined patriotism as involving:
    1. Special affection for one’s country.
    2. A sense of personal identification with the country.
    3. Willingness to sacrifice to promote the country’s good.
    4. Special concern for the well-being of the country.
Patriotism means:
    ● Love and devotion to one’s country.
    ● Pride in one’s country.
    ● Nationalism.
    ● Sacrifice for one’s country.
    ● Allegiance, public spirit and individual responsibility to fellow citizens.
    ● The loyalty and honour that all citizens owe to their country or nation.
    ● Pride in a country’s culture and history.
As citizens of Kenya, we can show patriotism by:
    ● Obeying all laws.
    ● Respecting those in authority.
    ● Respecting the national flag.
    ● Speaking well of our country.
    ● Observing national days.
    ● Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of others.
    ● Honouring the words of the national anthem.
    ● Keeping the environment clean.
    ● Conserving national resources.
    ● Participating in community service.
    ● Defending our country at all times.
    ● Participating in national elections.
    ● Paying taxes.
    ● Fighting corruption.
    ● Shunning tribalism and nepotism.
    ● Serving our country with diligence and honour.
Patriotism is key for a prosperous nation. However, the spirit of patriotism is destroyed by vices such as; tribalism, self-centredness, nepotism, dishonesty, greed, injustice, silence and lack of action, weak social values and corruption.

When all Kenyans embrace the spirit of patriotism, our country will experience:
   ● Improved economic growth.
   ● Reduced incidences of corruption.
   ● Quality service delivery.
   ● Improved security.
   ● Improved tax collection.
   ● Retention of skilled manpower.
   ● Improved regional and international participation.
   ● Higher foreign exchange earnings.
   ● Enhanced national unity and cohesion.
   ● Improved environmental conservation.
   ● Equitable distribution of national resources.

Remember, the ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. - John F. Kennedy