Ruto Declares August 27 as Katiba Day to Mark Constitution Anniversary
By Chemtai Kirui, Nairobi, Kenya,
President William Samoei Arap Ruto has declared August 27 as Katiba Day, to be observed annually in commemoration of the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
In a proclamation issued on Monday, Ruto said the day would serve as a reminder of the country’s shared duty to uphold, protect, and implement the Constitution, which was adopted on August 27, 2010, following a national referendum.
The president said Katiba Day will remain a working day, but government institutions, schools, and the public will be required to organize and participate in civic activities to foster constitutional awareness and civic engagement.
“All our diplomatic missions abroad will also mark the 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,” the proclamation read.
This year’s commemoration will mark the 15th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, which was approved in a referendum where 67% of the population voted in favour.
The charter replaced the 1969 Constitution and was widely regarded as a turning point in the country’s democratic and political development.
The 2010 Constitution introduced sweeping reforms, including the devolution of power through the creation of 47 county governments, the establishment of independent commissions, and greater checks on the executive.
It also strengthened the judiciary and created a more comprehensive Bill of Rights aimed at protecting civil liberties and promoting social justice.
The promulgation on August 27, 2010, at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park was presided over by then President Mwai Kibaki the late, in the presence of regional leaders and thousands of citizens, marking what many described as the birth of the Second Republic’s Constitution.
President Ruto said the new day of observance would offer an opportunity for reflection on the gains made since 2010 and the challenges that remain in implementing the Constitution.
Civil society organisations and constitutional experts have often argued that while the 2010 Constitution was among Africa’s most progressive, successive governments have struggled with full compliance, particularly in areas of accountability, public participation, and equitable distribution of resources under devolution.
Katiba Day will now join other dates in Kenya’s civic calendar, including Madaraka Day on June 1, Mashujaa Day on October 20, and Jamhuri Day on December 12.
Unlike those national holidays, it will not be a public holiday but will be marked by civic education activities across the country.
The 2010 Constitution has been credited with reshaping the country’s governance structure, but it has also been at the centre of political contestation. Attempts to amend it through initiatives such as the 2020–2021 Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) failed after the courts ruled the process unconstitutional.
By declaring a dedicated day for its commemoration, Ruto said, the government aimed to reaffirm commitment to constitutionalism, good governance, and the rule of law.
