December 12 · Jamhuri Day
Jamhuri Day: Kenya's day, Thunder Bay's family.
The biggest day on the Kenyan calendar. This year it falls on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 63 years since independence.
In Thunder Bay
Jamhuri Day 2026 is coming together
We're planning a family celebration on Saturday, December 12, with Kenyan food, music, activities for the children, and the anthem. The venue, time and ticket price will be posted right here once they're confirmed.
Tell us you're coming. It helps us plan food and space, and we'll message you when details are set.
Want to help make it happen? We'd love to hear from you if you can offer a venue, cook, play music, run activities for the children, volunteer on the day, or sponsor.
Across Canada
Kenyan communities across Canada celebrate too. See Jamhuri Day events across Canada as organisers confirm them, or find the Kenyan association near you. Running one? Tell us and we'll list it.
What Jamhuri Day marks
Jamhuri is Swahili for republic. On December 12, Kenyans mark the country's full independence in 1963 and its becoming a republic in 1964. It is one of Kenya's three national days in the Constitution, with Madaraka Day (June 1) and Mashujaa Day (October 20).
Source: The Star, "Difference between Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day" (June 1, 2026) and Constitution of Kenya, Article 9
Bring Kenya with you
- Learn the words of the national anthem, Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu, with your children. The High Commission has the anthem and the meaning of the flag's colours on its flag and anthem page.
- Share a photo of how your family celebrates through our photo form. With your permission, we may share it on the site.
- See all of Kenya's public holidays.
- Read the Jamhuri Day 2026 announcement, and share it in your WhatsApp groups.