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Kenya Public Holidays 2025 & 2026

Complete calendar of Kenya's gazetted public holidays with countdown timers, downloadable .ics calendar file, and historical context for each holiday.

🏛️ Government & LegalPublic Holidays Act (Cap 110)Updated annually

Next Public Holiday

Huduma Day

Saturday, 10 October 2026

115 days away

1

Jan

New Year's Day

First day of the Gregorian calendar year

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

Passed

28

Mar

Good Friday

Friday before Easter, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Friday, 28 March 2025

Passed

31

Mar

Easter Monday

Monday after Easter Sunday

Monday, 31 March 2025

Passed

30

Mar

Eid ul-Fitr

Marks the end of Ramadan. Exact date depends on moon sighting.

Sunday, 30 March 2025

Passed

1

May

Labour Day

International Workers' Day, celebrating workers' rights

Thursday, 1 May 2025

Passed

1

Jun

Madaraka Day

Marks Kenya's attainment of self-governance (internal self-rule) on 1 June 1963

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Passed

6

Jun

Eid ul-Adha

Festival of Sacrifice marking Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Date depends on moon sighting.

Friday, 6 June 2025

Passed

10

Oct

Huduma Day

Formerly Moi Day; renamed to honour community service and volunteerism

Friday, 10 October 2025

Passed

20

Oct

Mashujaa Day

Heroes' Day, honoring all Kenyans who contributed to the struggle for independence

Monday, 20 October 2025

Passed

12

Dec

Jamhuri Day

Kenya's Independence Day, celebrating the declaration of the Republic on 12 December 1964

Friday, 12 December 2025

Passed

25

Dec

Christmas Day

Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ

Thursday, 25 December 2025

Passed

26

Dec

Boxing Day

Day after Christmas, traditionally a day of giving

Friday, 26 December 2025

Passed

Important Notes

  • When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday.
  • Islamic holidays (Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha) are approximate — exact dates depend on moon sighting and are confirmed by the Kadhi.
  • The President may declare additional public holidays via gazette notice (e.g., for national events or elections).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does Kenya have?
Kenya has approximately 11–13 gazetted public holidays per year. The exact number varies because Islamic holidays (Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha) are determined by moon sighting. Additionally, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, Monday is observed.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
When a gazetted public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is automatically observed as a public holiday. This is specified in the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110).
Are Islamic holidays public holidays in Kenya?
Yes, Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan) and Eid ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) are gazetted public holidays in Kenya. Their exact dates depend on the Islamic lunar calendar and moon sighting.
What is Mashujaa Day?
Mashujaa Day (Heroes' Day) is celebrated on October 20th. It honors all Kenyans who contributed to the struggle for independence and the development of the nation. It replaced Kenyatta Day in 2010.
Can the President declare additional public holidays?
Yes, the President of Kenya can declare additional public holidays through a gazette notice. This has been done for events like elections, national mourning, and special national occasions.

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