Ruto’s Presidency Brings Changes to Kenya’s Holiday Calendar

President William Ruto assents to the proclamation establishing Katiba Day, to be observed every August 27 in honor of the 2010 Constitution.

Since taking office in September 2022, President William Ruto has introduced notable changes to Kenya’s public holiday calendar, reshaping the way the nation commemorates certain national values and events.

The most significant amendment came in April 2024 when President Ruto signed into law the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2023, which altered the Public Holidays Act. Through this move, Utamaduni Day, which had been observed every October 10, was officially replaced with Mazingira Day. The new holiday is dedicated to environmental conservation and is intended to rally Kenyans around climate action and sustainable living.

In addition, in August 2025, the President announced the establishment of Katiba Day, to be marked every August 27. The date commemorates the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. However, unlike other holidays, Katiba Day is classified as a working day, serving more as a civic observance than a day off from work. Its aim is to encourage citizens to reflect on constitutional values, rights, and governance.

President Ruto has also made history by introducing National Tree Growing Day as a special holiday. The first was declared on November 13, 2023, when Kenyans across the country planted trees as part of the government’s ambitious plan to grow 15 billion trees by 2032. Another edition of the day was held on May 10, 2024, with the twin purpose of expanding forest cover and commemorating lives lost during deadly floods earlier that year.

These changes underscore the Ruto administration’s emphasis on environmental conservation, civic responsibility, and the pursuit of sustainable development. While not all of the new observances amount to full public holidays, they represent a shift in how national days are used to advance the government’s policy agenda.

Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: August 26, 2025