Public Holidays in Kenya 2026 – National & Public Holidays

    ByUzair ul haq
    Public Holidays in Kenya Visaboards

    Kenya recognizes a number of national public holidays each year. These include secular national days, Christian holidays, and Islamic observances. Some of the dates depend on lunar sighting (for Islamic festivals) and may shift accordingly. On public holidays, many government offices, banks and institutions close. (Sources: OfficeHolidays, QPPStudio, MEACard Kenya)

    Overview of Kenya’s Public Holidays

    The holiday calendar in Kenya includes New Year’s Day, national identity and independence celebrations, Christian holidays like Good Friday and Easter, and Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. When Islamic holidays fall, dates are confirmed based on moon sighting. Some holidays falling on Sunday are often observed the next weekday. These holidays also provide opportunities for domestic travel and short breaks across the country.

    List of Public Holidays in Kenya (2026)

    DateDayHolidayNotes / Details
    January 1ThursdayNew Year’s DayFirst day of the year.
    March 20FridayIdd ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan)Tentative; subject to lunar sighting.
    April 3FridayGood FridayChristian observance.
    April 6MondayEaster MondayFollowing Easter Sunday.
    May 1FridayLabour Day / International Workers’ DayWorker rights observance.
    June 1MondayMadaraka DayCelebrates self-governance.
    May 27WednesdayEid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)Tentative; based on lunar calendar.
    October 10SaturdayMazingira DayEnvironmental and national awareness day.
    October 20TuesdayMashujaa DayHonors national heroes.
    December 12SaturdayJamhuri DayMarks Kenya’s republic status.
    December 25FridayChristmas DayChristian holiday.
    December 26SaturdayBoxing Day / Utamaduni DaySecond day of Christmas.

    During longer public holiday weekends in 2026, many residents choose to explore places to visit in Kenya or relax at top-rated hotels and resorts across Kenya.

    List of Public Holidays in Kenya (2025)

    DateDayHolidayNotes / Details
    January 1WednesdayNew Year’s DayFirst day of the year.
    March 31MondayIdd ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan)Date depends on lunar sighting.
    April 18FridayGood FridayChristian observance.
    April 21MondayEaster MondayFollowing Easter Sunday.
    May 1ThursdayLabour Day / International Workers’ DayWorker rights observance.
    June 2MondayMadaraka Day (observed)Madaraka Day falls June 1, but observed June 2 when June 1 is Sunday.
    June 6FridayEid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)Date tentative based on lunar calendar.
    October 10FridayMazingira DayEnvironmental / national holiday.
    October 20MondayMashujaa DayHeroes’ Day.
    December 12FridayJamhuri DayRepublic Day.
    December 25ThursdayChristmas DayChristian holiday.
    December 26FridayBoxing Day / Utamaduni DaySecond day of Christmas.

    Observations & Notes

    • Islamic holidays such as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha depend on lunar observations and may vary by a day.
    • If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it may be officially observed on the following Monday.
    • Kenya’s holiday list is issued by government authorities and confirmed annually.
    • Public holidays often lead to increased domestic tourism, especially to coastal and wildlife regions.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How many public holidays does Kenya have in 2026?

    Kenya observes 12 major national public holidays in 2026, including national, Christian, and Islamic observances.

    Do Islamic holiday dates change every year?

    Yes. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change annually depending on moon sighting.

    Is Madaraka Day always on June 1?

    Madaraka Day is officially on June 1 each year. If it falls on a Sunday, the holiday may be observed on the next weekday.

    What is the importance of Jamhuri Day in Kenya?

    Jamhuri Day marks Kenya’s transition to a republic on December 12, 1964, and is one of the country’s most significant national celebrations.

    Conclusion

    Public holidays in Kenya highlight the nation’s rich blend of national pride, religious diversity, and historical milestones. From independence celebrations to major religious festivals, these holidays play an important role in shaping Kenya’s social, cultural, and economic life.

    Also Explore: Public Holidays in Kazakhstan


    Uzair ul haq

    CEO Visaboards & IT Consultant

    Similar Posts