Ruto signs legislation designating Mazingira Day as a public holiday

The public holiday shall henceforth be observed as Mazingira Day.

At State House in Nairobi, President William Ruto has signed the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill into law.

The statute, among other things, renames Utamaduni Day to Mazingira Day, which is observed on October 10 annually.

“To declare October 10 of each year as Mazingira Day in lieu of Utamaduni Day as a public holiday.” This aims to supplement government initiatives for conservation and environmental protection, according to Felix Koskei, head of public service and chief of staff of the State House.

The Utamaduni Public Holiday was originally intended to be eliminated under the proposal, however this was changed during the National Assembly bill debate.

A motion to rename the holiday and center it around raising public awareness of environmental conservation was approved by MPs.

The public holiday on October 10 has changed significantly over time.