NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans across the country are today marking the first-ever Mazingira Day, a public holiday dedicated to environmental protection and conservation.
The day, celebrated annually on October 10, replaces Utamaduni Day following amendments to the Public Holidays Act earlier this year.
President William Ruto assented to the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, 2024, which renamed the holiday in line with the government’s commitment to tackling climate change.
According to the new law, Mazingira Day is meant to encourage Kenyans to engage in environmental activities such as tree planting, clean-up drives, and awareness campaigns.
The initiative supports the government’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a cornerstone of Kenya’s climate action strategy.
“The amendment seeks to complement government efforts towards environmental protection and conservation,” the brief accompanying the Bill stated.
The holiday’s journey to its current form reflects Kenya’s shifting national priorities over the decades.
Originally known as Moi Day, the holiday was established to honour the late President Daniel arap Moi. However, it was removed from the list of national holidays under the 2010 Constitution.
In 2017, the High Court reinstated Moi Day, ruling that its removal was unconstitutional and directing the government to recognize it once again.
In December 2019, the Cabinet approved the renaming of Moi Day to Huduma Day, refocusing the commemoration on community service and national unity.
A year later, in 2020, then Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i gazetted it as Utamaduni Day, emphasizing the celebration of Kenya’s diverse cultures.
The 2024 rebranding to Mazingira Day marks yet another shift—this time toward environmental stewardship and climate consciousness.
Across the country, government officials, community groups, and citizens are today expected to take part in activities aimed at restoring the environment and promoting sustainability.
Mazingira Day now stands not only as a day of rest but also as a national reminder of the shared duty to protect Kenya’s natural heritage for generations to come.
