Why Ruto declined to gazette Katiba Day as a public holiday

President William Ruto has explained that he did not gazette August 27 as a public holiday, despite it being declared Katiba Day, because Kenyans had previously raised concerns over too many holidays during the Constitution-making process.

Speaking on Wednesday during the Katiba at 15 celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Ruto said the spirit of the 2010 Constitution itself guided his decision.

“As I reflected on our journey towards the new Constitution, I was reminded in my conscience that when we got the new Constitution, we seemed to have said that we are done with matters Constitution. That is why I decided that maybe it is time, 15 years down the road, but it is never too late to do the right thing. That is why I signed a proclamation for us to celebrate this day, the day that we promulgated the new Constitution as Katiba Day,” he said.

The president added that the debate over excessive public holidays during the Constitution-making process had also influenced his decision.

“As I reflected on how this should be done, I was informed by the journey. What we discussed during the Constitution-making process is that we had too many holidays, which was one of the problems that we had, and that is why there was an attempt by the new Constitution to consolidate national holidays since there were too many,” Ruto explained.

He stressed that Katiba Day should be marked without disrupting productivity, saying Kenyans were expected to work in the morning before joining celebrations in the afternoon.

“In the spirit of this Constitution, I also thought that with the new Constitution, we should not make this a national holiday where there is no work, and partly why I thought we should have this occasion in the afternoon so that people can work in the morning,” he said.

“…But maybe we can redefine that as we go forward.”

On Monday, Ruto officially designated August 27 as Katiba Day to mark the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. A proclamation from the Executive Office of the President said the day would serve as a reminder of the country’s duty to “obey, preserve, protect and implement” the Constitution.

The proclamation, directed that the day be observed as a working day with civic-focused activities across schools, government offices and Kenya’s diplomatic missions abroad.

“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 said, noting that the day would instead be used to deepen civic awareness.

Kenya currently observes a crowded holiday calendar, including New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, Huduma Day, Jamhuri Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Under Ruto’s administration, Utamaduni Day was renamed Mazingira Day in 2024 to emphasise environmental conservation, while National Tree Growing Day was introduced for reforestation.

The announcement of Katiba Day drew mixed reactions, with some Kenyans calling it a “holiday without a holiday” while others welcomed the civic approach.

During his speech, Ruto also turned to matters of devolution, urging governors to join him in mobilising resources instead of leaving the burden solely to the national government.

“I also want to ask for the assistance of my assistants, the county government leaders, and the governors. The job of mobilising resources is very difficult. As I mobilise resources nationally, I want you to assist me to mobilise resources at the county level,” he said.

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He noted that his efforts to raise revenue had earned him nicknames, including “Zakayo.”

“Do not leave the business of mobilising resources to me. In the process of mobilising resources so that I can transfer more into the counties, I have acquired names, including Zakayo,” he said.

The Head of State revealed that since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, over Sh4 trillion has been disbursed to counties. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening devolution, echoing calls by the Council of Governors chaired by Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi.

“No county governor wants to raise resources locally, although the law now exists for on-source revenue. I would want to ask of you, please. As you urge me to transfer more resources, look at the opportunity to mobilise locally. If you are called Zakayo, it will not make any difference, it is still okay,” he said.

The president acknowledged the fiscal constraints facing the government but insisted that efficiency, not scarcity, remained the greater challenge.

“Despite operating within a tough fiscal space, the government has cleared all balances owed to counties in the just-ended financial year. In the 12 years since the birth of devolution, we have transferred a total of Sh4 trillion to counties. Every corner of Kenya now has a functional county government,” Ruto said