Huduma Day in Kenya

Huduma Day, formerly known as Moi Day, is a public holiday celebrated annually on the 10th of October in Kenya. The day was originally named in honor of Kenya's second President, Daniel arap Moi.

History

• Moi Day: Instituted following the 1988 amendment to the Kenyan constitution which included Section 9 of the Public Holidays Act, it celebrated President Moi's legacy.
• Abolition and Reinstatement: In 2010, with the promulgation of a new constitution, Moi Day was removed from the list of national holidays. However, in 2017, the Kenyan High Court reinstated it as a public holiday.
• Renaming to Huduma Day: In line with President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive and to reflect a break from personality cults, Moi Day was officially renamed Huduma Day in October 2020. "Huduma" is a Swahili word for "service," making the day one dedicated to service and volunteerism.

Traditions

• Volunteer Work: Many Kenyans engage in community service and volunteer activities on this day. This aligns with the theme of service that Huduma stands for.
• Public Gatherings: Prior to its renaming, celebrations included speeches and military parades at Nyayo Stadium or other public venues, attended by government officials and citizens.
• Reflection and Rest: For many Kenyans, Huduma Day is also an opportunity to relax and reflect on issues pertaining to national unity and development.

Activities

On Huduma Day:

• Government offices and most businesses are closed.
• Citizens may participate in organized events focused on social service.
• It is common for individuals to spend time with family or engage in leisure activities due to the public holiday status.

Note: The nature of celebrations may evolve over time as the holiday becomes more entrenched with its new focus on community service rather than commemoration of an individual leader.