Govt Working On Dress Code For Utamaduni Day
Bashir, while posing why Kenya does not possess its own national dress code, revealed that the government would consult Kenyans before having a national dress
Marvin Chege 
Kenya could soon have its own dress code for the Utamaduni Day celebrations marked on October 10 every year if plans by the government to implement the same are successful.
This is according to Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir who spoke on Tuesday, October 10 during the Utamaduni Day celebrations at the Bomas of Kenya.
Bashir, while posing why Kenya does not possess its own national dress code, revealed that the government would consult Kenyans before having a national dress which would likely debut during next year's Utamaduni Day; October 10, 2024.
CS Peninah Malonza and PS Ummi Bashir accompany First Lady, Rachel Ruto during the Utamaduni Day celebrations at Bomas of Kenya on October 10, 2023. /PENINAH MALONZA
“Kenya does not have a national dress, do we? That is something that we are working on and we promise by the next Utamaduni Day we will consult and have at least a Kenyan national dress,” Bashir stated.
On her part, First Lady Rachel Ruto, who was the chief guest during the event, urged Kenyans to explore and experience diverse cultures from communities countrywide.
“As we celebrate this day let it be a reminder of our commitment to loving and supporting brand Kenya, and our diverse cultures.
"Let us take the initiative to explore different counties, immerse ourselves in their unique cultures, and contribute to the growth of domestic tourism in our great and beautiful country,” said the First Lady.
She further encouraged Kenyans, particularly the youth, to embrace Kenya's culture wholeheartedly, adding "I urge all of us to explore opportunities that exist and are not fully tapped into yet present huge growth potential."
Leaders present during the fete included the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Cabinet Secretary for EAC, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development Peninah Malonza and her Public Service counterpart Moses Kuria.
Kuria graced the stage in the famous Kikuyu traditional outfit as government spokesman Isaac Mwaura opted for a long white Swahili robe.
Notably, Bashir was left disappointed after learning that President William Ruto missed out on the inaugural celebration of Utamaduni Day as he flew to Uganda to resolve border issues, fulfilling his promise to fly to Uganda to hold a crisis meeting with the neighbouring country's head of state, Yoweri Museveni.
The Utamaduni Day celebrations were themed “Celebrating Our Unity Through Diversity.”
Utamaduni Day is a public holiday in Kenya observed on October 10 every year to celebrate the country’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.
Previously it was celebrated to honour the late Daniel Arap Moi, who was the former president of Kenya. Until 2020, this holiday was called Moi Day before it was renamed Huduma Day, and then Utamaduni Day in December 2020.
Utamaduni Day is the first out of two national holidays this month, with Mashujaa Day following 10 days later (Friday, October 20).
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