Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has announced December 13 as a public holiday. [File, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang’i has announced that Monday, December 13, will be a public holiday as Jamhuri Day falls on a Sunday, a non-working day.

“In line with the provisions of Section 2 and 4 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110), it is hereby confirmed that 13th December 2021 will be a public holiday, by dint of Jamhuri Day falling on Sunday 12th December 2021,” the minister said in a press statement dated Thursday, December 9.

“This day bears profound historical significance as it marks the attainment of Kenya’s independence and the birth of the Republic. All citizens are encouraged to honour and celebrate this day in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion and economic progress in the country,” he added.

President Uhuru Kenyatta will preside over the 58th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho said on December 5 that only 11,000 people will be allowed at the venue, with 1,000 occupying the main dais while 10,000 will be stationed at the sitting area.

Parallel Jamhuri Day celebrations in the counties won’t be held, as the government moves to contain the spread of Covid-19, Kibicho said.