President William Ruto is set to lead the nation in celebrating the first-ever Utamaduni Day at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on Tuesday.
The public holiday, formerly known as Moi Day, was officially renamed Huduma Day and later Utamaduni Day in 2020.
Moi Day, initially celebrated on October 10 to honor the late President Daniel Moi, was removed from Kenya’s national holiday list following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in August 2010. However, on November 8, 2017, the High Court reinstated it as a public holiday on October 10.
Justice George Odunga’s ruling emphasized that the scrapping of Moi Day was illegal and against the law. On October 8, 2018, then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced the holiday’s return.
Utamaduni Day is a day of diverse celebrations that spotlight Kenya’s cultural richness, foster unity, and promote economic development.
Through cultural performances, the day unites Kenya’s various ethnic, linguistic, and racial groups in the shared joy of music and dance. It also provides an opportunity to savor and appreciate traditional Kenyan cuisine.
Kenyans are encouraged to work together to promote national unity, social justice, cohesion, and sustainable development in their communities, ensuring prosperity for both current and future generations.
In a statement, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, Ummi Bashir, revealed that Utamaduni Day celebrations would take place in all constituencies across the country. This year’s focus will be on celebrating the nation’s cultural traditions.
Bashir detailed that the celebrations will encompass street fairs, food festivals, cultural performances, and cultural exhibitions.
“Utamaduni Day underscores Kenya’s commitment to celebrating diversity and unity, fostering a more inclusive future,” she stated.
“The national celebrations will be held at the prestigious Bomas of Kenya, with the honorable presence of His Excellency President William Ruto and other distinguished dignitaries.
“As we prepare to celebrate Utamaduni Day, we unite in the spirit of our diversity, recognizing that our differences are the threads that weave the tapestry of our nation. Together, we forge a path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just Kenya,” the statement concluded.
