Jamhuri Day, marked every 12th of December, is one of Kenya’s most defining national holidays. It commemorates two historic milestones, the attainment of full independence from British colonial rule in 1963 and the country’s transition into a sovereign republic in 1964. The day serves as a moment of reflection on Kenya’s long journey to self-rule and the remarkable resilience shown throughout the struggle for freedom.
The term Jamhuri, which means Republic in Swahili, captures the spirit of autonomy, unity, and national pride that Kenyans celebrate annually. It is a day dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters whose courage laid the foundation for a liberated nation. It also underscores Kenya’s identity as a republic built on collective effort, democratic values, and the aspiration for continuous progress. The celebrations, which often feature military parades, cultural displays, and a presidential address, reinforce the shared sense of belonging that binds Kenyans together.
The 2025 theme, Tourism, Wildlife and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), places a strong spotlight on one of Kenya’s most powerful engines of economic transformation. Tourism remains a major contributor to national GDP, foreign exchange, and employment, particularly for young people. By dedicating Jamhuri Day to this sector, the government aims to highlight its vast potential and reposition it at the center of national development.
Ahead of the holiday, a week-long thematic festival was held to showcase Kenya’s natural beauty, diverse cultures, rich wildlife and its capacity to host world-class business events. This focus is designed to boost both domestic and international investment in tourism, while encouraging Kenyans to explore the country through initiatives like Tembea Kenya.
Jamhuri Day 2025 also provides a platform for key policy measures intended to strengthen Kenya’s global competitiveness. Among them is the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, introduced to streamline travel processes and attract more visitors. Other initiatives, such as the launch of the Magical Kenya souvenir passport, reinforce efforts to modernise and promote the sector.
By anchoring this year’s celebrations on tourism, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano says, underlines the vision of a secure, welcoming, and economically vibrant nation, one that fully leverages its natural and cultural assets to build a prosperous future for its people.
Speaking on Thursday, December 11 during a tourism sector roundtable with President William Ruto, CS Miano exuded confidence that Kenya had made remarkably tremendous strides in the tourism, conservation and MICE sectors in recent years.
“As the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, we strongly acknowledge and appreciate President Ruto’s direct actionable support and guidance towards these milestones. We shall continue serving with dedication and full commitment to ensure these efforts bear fruits,” CS Miano said.
On his part, President Ruto has hailed the powerful ‘Magical Kenya’ initiative as one that will reposition Kenya as a nexus of creativity, innovation, culture, sports, adventure, heritage, cuisine, and human excellence.
He also lauded the ongoing construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex, the largest in East and Central Africa and which will be ready by April 2026, saying it will cater for the modern-day conferences preferences.
