Katiba Day: President Ruto Declares New National Day

President William Ruto

President William Ruto has proclaimed August 27 as Katiba Day to be observed annually in honor of the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.

In a proclamation issued on Monday, August 25, Ruto said the day will serve as a reminder to all Kenyans of their obligation to uphold the country’s supreme law. 

The first commemoration will take place on August 27, 2025, marking 15 years since the Constitution was enacted.

“It is befitting for the people of Kenya to commemorate this day as a reminder of our collective duty to obey, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution,” he stated.

The President emphasized that while Katiba Day will be recognized nationally, it will not be a public holiday. 

Kenyans will continue with normal activities, but the day will be observed across the country and in all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad through civic activities.

President William Ruto

“Now therefore, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution, 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,” the proclamation read in part.

Ruto directed government institutions in all three arms of government, the two levels of governance, and schools to organize and participate in activities that will promote constitutional awareness, civic engagement, and national dialogue.

“Katiba Day shall be observed throughout the territory of Kenya and all our diplomatic missions abroad as a day dedicated to renewing our shared commitment to the ideals of our Constitution by fostering national dialogue on constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law,” he said.

Kenya’s 2010 Constitution was approved in a referendum on August 4, 2010, with 67 percent of voters endorsing it, before it was promulgated by former President Mwai Kibaki on August 27 of the same year. 

It ushered in wide-ranging reforms, including the creation of 47 county governments, a bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate, and strong provisions on human rights and freedoms.