Kenya holiday calendar

Public holidays in Kenya 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Kenya public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
13
Regional dates
0
Observances
0
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Kenya

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Kenya calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. December is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.

Kenya holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 13 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Kenya for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayKenya’s statutory January 1 holiday opening the Gregorian civil year. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of New Year’s Day in Kenya.Public holiday—
Idd-ul-FitrKenya’s gazetted nationwide holiday ending Ramadan on March 20 in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Idd-ul-Fitr in Kenya.Public holiday—
Good FridayKenya’s statutory Christian holiday on the Friday before Western Easter. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Good Friday in Kenya.Public holiday—
Easter MondayKenya’s statutory holiday on the day after Western Easter Sunday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Easter Monday in Kenya.Public holiday—
Labour DayKenya’s May 1 public holiday for workers, unions and labour policy. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Labour Day in Kenya.Public holiday—
Eid ul-AdhaThe Feast of Sacrifice, specially gazetted nationwide for May 27 in 2026.Public holiday—
Madaraka DayThe June 1 national day commemorating Kenya’s attainment of internal self-government in 1963.Public holiday—
Mazingira DayKenya’s October 10 public holiday dedicated by law to environmental conservation. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Mazingira Day in Kenya.Public holiday—
Mashujaa DayThe October 20 national day honouring Kenya’s freedom fighters and other heroes.Public holiday—
DiwaliKenya’s Hindu-community public holiday for Diwali on November 8 in 2026. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Diwali in Kenya.Public holiday—
Jamhuri DayThe December 12 national day marking independence in 1963 and the republic in 1964.Public holiday—
Christmas DayKenya’s statutory December 25 Christian public holiday. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Christmas Day in Kenya.Public holiday—
Boxing DayKenya’s statutory December 26 holiday following Christmas Day. This guide explains the date, background, legal status and customary observance of Boxing Day in Kenya.Public holiday—

Sources for Kenya holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.