Public Holidays in Kenya 2026
12 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Kenya's national calendar combines Christian and Islamic festivals with major statehood commemorations including Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day and Jamhuri Day.
Kenya Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Idd-ul-Fitr Moon |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Idd-ul-Azha Moon |
| Jun 1 | Monday | Madaraka Day |
| Oct 10 | Saturday | Mazingira Day |
| Oct 20 | Tuesday | Mashujaa Day |
| Dec 12 | Saturday | Jamhuri Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
* 2027 Islamic and substitute-day dates are provisional until confirmed by official religious or Gazette notices.
Statehood Holidays 2026
Madaraka Day on 1 June marks internal self-government, Mashujaa Day on 20 October honors national heroes, and Jamhuri Day on 12 December marks independence and republican status.
Holiday Rules in Kenya
Islamic holidays depend on official religious confirmation. The Cabinet Secretary can also declare additional public holidays by Gazette notice, including one-off national events.
Kenya Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Madaraka Day is 1 June.
- Mashujaa Day is 20 October.
- Jamhuri Day is 12 December.
- Additional public holidays can be declared by Gazette notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Jamhuri Day?
It is observed on 12 December.
What is Madaraka Day?
It commemorates Kenya attaining internal self-government on 1 June 1963.
Why are Eid dates provisional?
They follow the lunar calendar and need official confirmation.
Can Kenya add an extra public holiday?
Yes. The Cabinet Secretary can declare additional public holidays by Gazette notice.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official Gazette repository used for current-year public-holiday declarations under the Public Holidays Act.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory, gazette or institutional material is the primary reference. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent cross-check; later official declarations take precedence.