The government has announced a significant shift in the approach to national holiday celebrations, extending them from a single day to a week-long affair. The news was revealed by ICT Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Dennis Itumbi on Thursday, May 25.

Addressing the public in Embu County, Itumbi, who chairs the National Holidays Thematic Committee, explained that this new format aims to support national government programs by conducting a series of activities leading up to the actual national holiday.

As part of the extended celebrations, specific events will be organized to focus on small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and farmers before the main Madaraka Day commemoration. These activities will include special prayers for business ventures.

CAS Itumbi further disclosed that President William Ruto would inaugurate the new week-long celebration model in Embu on Friday, May 26.

"As you are all aware, we have shifted from one-day national holidays to a week-long celebration. The President will be present to launch the expo, which centers around empowering enterprises, SMEs, trade, and revenue," Itumbi stated.

The launch on Friday will revolve around the theme of housing, with the President expected to unveil several housing projects in the county.

Additionally, the celebrations will feature exhibitors who will showcase their products to locals, fostering trade opportunities and networking.

"We anticipate the participation of 35 exhibitors, including prominent groups like Google, as well as factories introducing value-added coffee products," Itumbi added.

Over the years, different administrations have introduced modifications to national holiday celebrations. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta initiated a rotational approach, spreading national holidays across the country on December 12, 2015. This strategy aimed to promote national unity and empower county economies. The current administration has adopted the same model, applying it to Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day, and Jamhuri Day.