President William Ruto will on Tuesday lead celebrations to mark the inaugural Utamaduni Day at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.
The public holiday formally known as Moi Day was initially renamed Huduma Day and later Utamaduni Day in 2020.
Moi Day was a public holiday celebrated on October 10 to honour the late President Daniel Moi. Following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya in August 2010, Moi Day was removed from the list of Kenyan national holidays.
However, on November 8, 2017, the High Court restored it as an October 10 public holiday.
Justice George Odunga in his ruling said the scrapping of the Moi Day holiday is an illegality and was in contravention of the law. On October 8, 2018, then Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i announced the public holiday's comeback.
Utamaduni Day is marked by diverse celebrations that showcase Kenya's cultural richness, promote unity and advance economic development.
Through cultural performances, the day brings together all of Kenya's ethnic, linguistic and racial groups to share in music and dance.
The day also provides an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate traditional Kenyan cuisine.
Kenyans are encouraged to work towards promoting national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities to ensure prosperity for present and future generations.
In a statement, the State Department for Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir said Utamaduni Day celebrations will be held in all constituencies across the country.
She said the focus of this year's celebrations will be the country’s cultural traditions.
Bashir said celebrations will include street fairs, food festivals, cultural performances and cultural exhibitions.
"Utamaduni Day underscores Kenya's commitment to celebrating diversity and unity, fostering a more inclusive future," she said.
"The national celebrations will take place at the esteemed Bomas of Kenya, with the honourable presence of His Excellency President William Ruto, and other distinguished dignitaries.
"As we prepare to celebrate Utamaduni Day, we unite in the spirit of our diversity, recognising that our differences are the threads that weave the tapestry of our nation. Together, we forge a path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just Kenya,” the statement read in part.
