President William Ruto has officially proclaimed August 27 as Katiba Day, a national day dedicated to commemorating the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
In his Monday statement, President Ruto emphasized that Katiba Day will serve as a constant reminder of every Kenyan’s responsibility to obey, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution. However, he clarified that the day will not be a public holiday, but rather a working day of national reflection and civic engagement.
“Now therefore I, President William Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby proclaim that August 27, 2025, and every 27th day of August thereafter, shall be observed as Katiba Day in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” Ruto declared.
Not a Public Holiday
While Katiba Day will be recognised across Kenya and in all diplomatic missions abroad, Ruto stressed that normal business activities will continue. Instead, government institutions, schools, and public offices will be expected to organize and participate in civic activities to promote constitutional awareness and engagement.
“All government institutions in the three arms of government and the two levels of governance, including schools, shall organize, hold, and participate in solemn civic activities on that day to foster constitutional awareness and civic engagement,” he noted.
Celebrating 15 Years of the 2010 Constitution
The 2025 observance will mark the 15th anniversary of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which was promulgated by the late President Mwai Kibaki on August 27, 2010, following its approval in a historic referendum on August 4, 2010.
President Ruto described the Constitution as “one of the most transformative and progressive in human history”, noting that it introduced major political, social, and economic reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s democracy and governance structures.
Katiba Day is expected to provide a platform for national dialogue on constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law, while renewing the country’s collective commitment to democratic ideals.