Ruto Signs Bill Renaming October 10 Public Holiday

President William Ruto has signed into law the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024, which amends various provisions of 16 Acts of Parliament.

One of the most prominent changes the Act introduces is the renaming of Utamaduni Day, celebrated every year on October 10 to Mazingira Day.

"In a bold step towards environmental protection and conservation, the Bill amends the Public Holidays Act, renaming Utamaduni Day as Mazingira Day to be observed on October 10 every year," a statement from State House read in part on Wednesday, April 24.

Mazingira Day will be a day for all Kenyans to engage in environmental conservation activities, including tree planting and growing.

This move is in line with the government’s push to accelerate the 10-year 15 billion tree-planting programme that includes forest, wetland and rangeland restoration.

It was also explained that the renaming of the holiday was in line with the government’s initiative to mitigate the negative effects of Climate Change.

Utamaduni Day was 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.

The renaming of the national holiday was in line with former President Moi's desire that the day should be commemorated as a day of service and volunteerism.

The day was observed through national prayers that will highlight service and volunteerism to the community. Kenyans however were still encouraged to participate in the prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations. 

Moi Day was taken off the list of Kenya's national holidays following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in August 2010. However, it was reinstated in 2017 following a ruling by the Supreme Court, which reversed the decision of the Parliament.