The government has declared Monday, October 10, 2022, a public holiday to mark Utamaduni Day.
In a statement on Friday, outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i asked Kenyans to honour the day by recognizing and celebrating the country’s rich cultural diversity.
“In line with Section 2 (1) and 4 and Part One of the Schedule of Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), and pursuant to the declaration of the High Court of 6th November 2017 (Judicial Review 292 of 2017: Republic vs Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security ex parte Gragory Oriaro Nyauchi & four others), it is hereby notified that Monday, 10th October 2022, will be a public holiday (Utamaduni Day),” Matiang’i said.
“All citizens are reminded to honour the day by recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes our unity, national cohesion, and economic progress,” he added.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
— Ministry of Interior (@InteriorKE) October 7, 2022
The public is hereby notified that Monday, 10th October 2022, will be a public holiday (Utamaduni Day).
Let’s celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes our unity, national cohesion, and economic progress. pic.twitter.com/64CGDmF8DB
Huduma Day
The holiday, which was previously known as Moi Day, was celebrated to honour Daniel Arap Moi, the country’s second president. It was renamed Huduma Day by the Cabinet in December 2019.
Moi Day, State House said, was renamed in line with the former president’s desire that the day be commemorated as a day of service and volunteerism.
The Cabinet also approved the renaming of Boxing Day which falls on December 26, to Utamaduni Day.