President William Ruto./PCS
President William Ruto officially designated August 27 as Katiba Day, a day to mark the anniversary of the 2010 Constitution. However, he clarified that it will not be observed as a public holiday, saying the country already has too many holidays.
“We had too many holidays… and so it’s the reason why I also thought that we should not make this a national holiday,” Ruto explained, adding that the day would instead be used for civic-focused activities.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 27, at the KICC during the Katiba Day celebrations, the head of State said by choosing to keep Katiba Day as a working day, he hopes to promote civic awareness without adding to the country’s long list of public holidays.
What Is Katiba Day?
According to a presidential proclamation issued on August 25, 2025, Katiba Day is to be marked as a working day with activities across schools, government offices, and Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad.
It is meant to remind citizens of their duty to “obey, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution.”
Why Not Make It a Public Holiday?
Ruto said the decision was driven by the need to balance commemoration with productivity. Kenya already observes a crowded holiday calendar, and adding Katiba Day as a full public holiday, he argued, could disrupt public services and the economy.
Kenya’s Holiday Calendar
Kenya currently observes several national holidays, including New Year's Day, Labour Day, Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, Huduma Day, Jamhuri Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Under Ruto’s administration, the calendar has also evolved. Utamaduni Day was renamed Mazingira Day in April 2024 to focus on environmental conservation, while the government introduced National Tree Growing Day as a special holiday for reforestation.
Public Reaction
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Some Kenyans expressed disappointment on social media, calling Katiba Day a “holiday without a holiday” and questioning its significance if it does not come with a day off.
Others welcomed the civic approach, saying it would give meaning to the Constitution by integrating it into daily life rather than reducing it to a symbolic break.
