In a sober yet meaningful move, President William Ruto has announced that each 27 August will henceforth be Katiba Day, commemorating the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. It will be a working day, not a public holiday but one marked by civic reflection across the nation and in Kenyan missions abroad.
A Nation Called to Remember
In a formal proclamation dated today, Ruto declared:
“I… do hereby proclaim that 27th August, 2025, and every 27th day in the month of August forever thereafter shall be observed as Katiba Day in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.”
He added that the day is intended to serve as a time to “renew our shared commitment to the ideals of the Constitution by fostering national dialogue on our constitutionalism, governance and the rule of law.”
Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Purpose
Katiba Day will not disrupt daily routines. Ruto emphasised that schools, government offices and all branches of government at both national and county levels must arrange civic activities aimed at raising awareness of constitutional rights and encouraging public engagement.
A Landmark Worth Marking
The Constitution was passed by referendum on 4 August 2010 and formally came into force on 27 August 2010, under the leadership of then-President Mwai Kibaki. Celebrating 15 years of Kenya’s modern constitutional framework, Ruto spoke of its citizen-centered governance, devolution and enhanced protections for rights, calling it a “defining moment in our nation’s history.”
Why It Matters
- Solidarity around the Constitution: By institutionalizing Katiba Day, Kenya elevates the Constitution beyond legal text, making it a shared annual ritual an invitation to remember and recommit.
- Civic education at scale: With schools and public institutions participating, the day becomes a platform for grassroots constitutional engagement.
- Practical yet symbolic: It preserves normal life while infusing meaning into work, blending the ordinary with the ideal.
Summary of Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date Promulgated | 27 August 2010 |
| Referendum Date | 4 August 2010 |
| Katiba Day Proclamation | 25 August 2025 by President Ruto |
| Observation | Working day with civic activities |
| Purpose | Renew commitment to constitutionalism, governance, rule of law |
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