The Kenya government has declared Saturday, October 10, a public holiday to be commemorated with prayer and community service.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i changed the name of former Moi Day to Huduma Day, this he said was “in the exercise of the powers conferred by Cap 110 of the Public Holidays Act.” 

Matiang'i told Kenyans across the country to observe Huduma Day through national prayers that will highlight service and volunteerism to the community. 

"Kenyans are encouraged to participate in the prayers and promote national unity, social justice, cohesion and sustainable development in their communities for the benefit of present and future generations," the CS said in the statement. 

Matiang’i’s declaration comes a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta declared Friday to Sunday a national prayer weekend as Kenya grapples with a harsh economy occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The statement from State House spokesperson Kanze Dena encouraged Kenyans to pray for their country in their usual places of worship while observing Covid-19 containment measures. 

Kenyatta is set to hold an inter-faith national prayer service at State House, Nairobi from 10 am, an event that will be beamed live on all leading television, radio, and digital media platforms.