The Government has renamed Utamaduni Day, celebrated on October 10, to Mazingira Day.
President William Ruto signed the legislation amending the Public Holidays Act, paving the way for the renaming. The decision aims to emphasize the importance of environmental conservation among Kenyans.
Before signing the bill, President Ruto was briefed on the proposed changes and the reasons behind the renaming. “The National Assembly was informed that the name Mazingira Day encompasses aspects of Huduma and our tradition, Utamaduni, which were in the previous naming,” the briefing stated.
The renaming aligns with the government’s initiative to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
President William Ruto assented to 16 amendments in The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, including amendments to the Public Holidays Act.
This marks the third renaming of the holiday. Initially known as Moi Day, it was later renamed to Huduma Day, and then to Utamuduni Day.
In 2019, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet approved the change from Moi Day to Huduma Day to reflect the spirit of serving others ingrained in the Kenyan people.
Kenyans celebrated the holiday as Utamaduni Day for the first time in 2023, reflecting the appreciation of Kenya’s diverse culture.
