Public holidays in Kenya
Kenya has a number of recurring public holidays each year, including Christian, national and Islamic holidays. The dates of the two Eid holidays depend on the lunar calendar and are officially declared. Public offices generally close on public holidays, while opening hours for banks, shops, transport services and other businesses vary.
Holidays in 2026
New Year's Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026
Idd-ul-Fitr
Officially declared
Friday, 20 March 2026
Good Friday
Moves with Easter each year
Friday, 3 April 2026
Easter Monday
Monday, 6 April 2026
Labour Day
Friday, 1 May 2026
Idd-ul-Azha
Officially declared
Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Madaraka Day
Marks internal self-rule in 1963
Monday, 1 June 2026
Mazingira Day
Environment Day, on the date formerly observed as Moi Day
Saturday, 10 October 2026
Mashujaa Day
Heroes' Day, honouring those who fought for independence
Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Jamhuri Day
Independence Day, 1963
Saturday, 12 December 2026
Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2026
Boxing Day
Saturday, 26 December 2026
Eid dates depend on the sighting of the moon. Kenya's dates for 2026 have been officially declared; later years are astronomical estimates and may move by a day. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is normally observed instead. The government may also gazette additional one-off public holidays.
What each day marks
Madaraka Day (1 June) marks the day in 1963 when Kenya attained internal self-rule, ahead of full independence. Jamhuri Day (12 December) is that full independence, and the founding of the republic a year later. Mashujaa Day (20 October) — Heroes' Day — honours those who fought for independence and, more recently, Kenyans who have served the country in other ways.
Mazingira Day (10 October) is Kenya's environment day, marked by tree planting and clean-up campaigns. It occupies the date formerly observed as Moi Day.
Planning around them
Major public holidays can increase demand for inter-city transport, domestic flights and accommodation. If you are travelling around Easter, Christmas, New Year or other major holiday periods, book transport and accommodation ahead where possible.