Events · Kenyan holidays
Kenya's holidays, wherever you are.
Kenya's public holidays, with dates taken from Kenya's Public Holidays Act, and what the three national days mark. They are not days off in Canada, but they are the days wakenya come together.
Last checked October 20, 2026. Rules change, so confirm on the linked page before you go or pay anything.
1. Kenya's public holidays
- 1 January
- New Year's Day
- March or April
- Good Friday
- March or April
- Easter Monday
- 1 May
- Labour Day
- 1 June
- Madaraka Day · national day
- Set by the moon
- Idd-ul-Fitr
- 10 October
- Mazingira Day
- 20 October
- Mashujaa Day · national day
- 12 December
- Jamhuri Day · national day
- 25 December
- Christmas Day
- 26 December
- Boxing Day
Two more are set by the moon: Idd-ul-Azha, a public holiday for Muslims, and Diwali, a public holiday for Hindus.
Source: Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110), Kenya Law, as amended in April 2024. The High Commission also lists holidays on its public holidays page.
2. How the dates work
- Sunday rule: if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next day that isn't already a holiday becomes the holiday instead.
- Extra holidays: the government can add a holiday, or move one, by notice in the Kenya Gazette. Election days and the day a new president is sworn in are also public holidays.
- The three national days, Madaraka, Mashujaa and Jamhuri, are written into Kenya's Constitution.
Source: Public Holidays Act, sections 2 to 4 and Constitution of Kenya, Article 9
3. Madaraka Day, 1 June
Madaraka Day marks the day in 1963 when Kenya won internal self-rule from the British colonial government. Madaraka means power or authority. It stands for the handover of key government functions to Kenyan leaders, before full independence later that year.
Source: The Star, "Difference between Madaraka Day and Jamhuri Day" (June 1, 2026)
4. Mazingira Day, 10 October
The newest holiday. In April 2024 it replaced Utamaduni Day on 10 October. Mazingira means environment. It is a day for Kenyans to take part in protecting the environment, especially by planting and growing trees.
Source: State House Kenya, "President Ruto signs into law the Statute Law Bill 2024"
5. Mashujaa Day, 20 October
Heroes' Day. Mashujaa means heroes. It began as Kenyatta Day, marking the 1952 detention of key leaders in the independence struggle. It was renamed Mashujaa Day after the 2010 Constitution, and now honours all of Kenya's heroes, past and present. Read our Mashujaa Day 2026 news from home.
Source: The Star, "Mashujaa Day: what you need to know" (October 20, 2026)
6. Jamhuri Day, 12 December
Kenya's biggest national day. It marks full independence in 1963, and Kenya becoming a republic in 1964. Jamhuri means republic. More about Jamhuri Day in Thunder Bay →
Source: The Star (June 1, 2026)
7. Celebrating in Thunder Bay
These days aren't holidays in Canada, so a community gathering may fall on a nearby weekend. Every Wakenyatbay celebration goes on our events page. Planning something for one of these days? Tell us and we'll help spread the word.