Kenya celebrates Mashujaa Day every year on 20th October. Mashujaa Day is a national holiday dedicated to honouring people who contributed to Kenya’s freedom and progress. Mashujaa Day was previously known as Kenyatta Day. 

The origin of the holiday can be traced back to the colonial era, when several Kenyan nationalist leaders were arrested on 20th October 1952.

Those detained are famously known as the Kapenguria Six, including Jomo Kenyatta, Achieng’ Oneko, Bildad Kaggai, Fred Kubai, Kung’u Karumba, and Paul Ngei. 

This marked the start of Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising and sparked the beginning of open resistance to British rule.

President Jomo Kenyatta was honoured on 20th October in recognition of his role in the struggle for independence.

Among the many reforms of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, was the changing of the country’s national holidays, thus Kenyatta Day was changed to Mashujaa Day.

The new constitution highlights the need to honour all men and women, past or present, who contributed to the country’s freedom and development. The first Mashujaa Day was celebrated on 20th October 2010.

The national ceremony rotates among counties to promote inclusion. This year’s Mashujaa Day is taking place in Kitui County at Ithookwe Stadium.

This year’s Mashujaa Day theme is “Transforming lives through sustainable energy solutions”. This theme focuses on Kenya’s commitment to sustainable energy.

Each year, the President recognizes heroes with national honours, this year there are over 180 people set to receive awards as Shujaas.

This holiday matters because it is a moment of reflection, and it highlights that heroism takes any form. Kenya not only looks at its past but also towards the future and adds those who continue to contribute to its chapters of history.