Public Holidays in Kenya 2025 – National & Religious Days
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.
List of Public Holidays in Kenya (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | First day of the year. |
| March 31 | Monday | Idd ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | Date depends on lunar sighting. |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance. |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Following Easter Sunday. |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day / International Workers’ Day | Worker rights observance. |
| June 2 | Monday | Madaraka Day (observed) | Madaraka Day falls June 1, but observed June 2 when June 1 is Sunday. |
| June 6 | Friday | Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Date tentative based on lunar calendar. |
| October 10 | Friday | Mazingira Day | Environmental / national holiday. |
| October 20 | Monday | Mashujaa Day | Heroes’ Day (honoring those who contributed to Kenya). |
| December 12 | Friday | Jamhuri Day | Republic Day (Kenya became a republic). |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday. |
| December 26 | Friday | Boxing Day / Utamaduni Day | Second 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.
- When Madaraka Day (June 1) falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the holiday.
- Kenya’s holiday list is published by official government sources, e.g. MEACard (public holidays listing).
- Some observances (e.g. Diwali) are recognized by particular religious communities but may not be nationwide holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Kenya have in 2025?
Kenya has 12 major national public holidays in 2025 as per central holiday listings.
Are Islamic holidays fixed each year?
No. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and their dates shift relative to the Gregorian calendar depending on moon sighting.
What is Madaraka Day and when is it observed?
Madaraka Day (June 1) celebrates Kenya’s attainment of internal self-rule in 1963. When June 1 falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on Monday.
What is Jamhuri Day?
Jamhuri Day (December 12) marks Kenya’s becoming a republic in 1964. It’s one of Kenya’s most important national holidays.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Kenya reflect the country’s blend of national identity, Christian tradition, and Islamic faith. Whether commemorating heroes, celebrating festivals, or honoring religious observances, these holidays shape Kenya’s civic and cultural calendar each year.
Also Explore: Public Holidays in Kazakhstan
