Utamaduni Day celebrations in pictures

**Dancers perform during Utamaduni celebrations at Bomas, Nairobi.**[(Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The inaugural Utamaduni Day celebrations are underway at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi and across the country.

The public holiday formerly known as Moi Day - was named in honour of Kenya’s second president Daniel Moi.

After the promulgation of the 2010 constitution, Moi Day was erased from the list of national holidays.

However, in November 2017 the High Court restored it back as a public holiday prompting then Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to return it to the calendar.

**Attendees head to the Utamaduni celebrations venue**.[(Elvis Ogina, Standard]

It was then renamed Huduma Day and later Utamadui Day in 2020 following the Statute Miscellaneous Amendments Act No. 29 of 2020.

During former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime, he had set aside the day for national celebrations, but there were minimal activities on the days.

**Hellen Talaso of Ushanga Kenya exhibiting traditional attires at Utamaduni celebrations**.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Uhuru then urged citizens to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Kenya in a manner that promotes unity, national cohesion, and economic progress in the country.

**Women display diifferent cultural attires during Utamaduni celebrations**.[(Elvis Ogina, Standard]

A section of Kenyans are already thronged into Bomas and other venues across the country, with high-level performances in place entertaining guests.

**Dancers in traditional regalia set to perform at the Utamaduni celebrations**.[(Elvis Ogina, Standard]

President William Ruto and other dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion that aims to honor and celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural diversity.

**First Lady Rachel Ruto (center) flanked by Public Service CS Moses Kuria and Ummi Bashir, PS Culture, Arts Heritage during the Utamaduni Day celebrations**. (Elvis Ogina Standard)

The State Department for Culture, Arts and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir announced that the event will be held across all 47 counties.

**Exhibitions at the Utamaduni event**.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

"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."

She said that the focus of today's event will be on cultural traditions urging Kenyans to foster on promote unity, equity, and sustainable development in their communities.