How many public holidays does Kenya have in 2026?

Kenya has approximately 10-12 official public holidays in 2026, including Jamhuri Day (12 December), Madaraka Day (1 June), Mashujaa Day (20 October), plus Christian and Islamic holidays.

When is Jamhuri Day in Kenya?

Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) is on Saturday, 12 December 2026. It marks Kenya becoming a republic in 1964. Celebrations include parades at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

When is the best time for safari in Kenya?

July to October is peak safari season for the Great Migration in Masai Mara. January-February is also excellent with good weather and fewer tourists. Avoid the long rains of April-May.

Does Kenya celebrate Eid?

Yes, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are official public holidays in Kenya. The Muslim-majority coast celebrates more extensively. Mombasa and Lamu have special festivities.

Are banks open on public holidays in Kenya?

Banks close on all public holidays. Normal hours are Monday-Friday 9am-3pm, Saturday 9am-12pm. ATMs operate 24/7. M-Pesa works anytime.

Kenya Public Holidays 2026

National holidays, safari seasons and festival calendar for Kenya

2026 Holiday Calendar

Date	Day	Holiday	Type
1 January	Thursday	New Year's Day	National
~20 March*	Friday	Eid al-Fitr	Islamic
3 April	Friday	Good Friday	Christian
6 April	Monday	Easter Monday	Christian
1 May	Friday	Labour Day	National
~27 May*	Wednesday	Eid al-Adha	Islamic
1 June	Monday	Madaraka Day	National
10 October	Saturday	Huduma Day	National
20 October	Tuesday	Mashujaa Day (Heroes' Day)	National
12 December	Saturday	Jamhuri Day (Independence)	National
25 December	Friday	Christmas Day	Christian
26 December	Saturday	Boxing Day	Christian

* Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar; dates are approximate.

Business Hours

Type	Hours	Notes
Banks	Mon-Fri 9:00-15:00, Sat 9:00-12:00	Closed holidays; ATMs 24/7; M-Pesa always works
Shopping Malls	Mon-Sat 9:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-18:00	Most malls open on holidays
Government	Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00	Closed all public holidays
Safari Lodges	24/7 operations	No impact from public holidays

Safari Season Calendar

Month	Safari Quality	Great Migration	Notes
Jan-Feb	Excellent	Calving in Serengeti/Ndutu	Hot, dry; great game viewing; fewer tourists
Mar-May	Poor	Moving north	Long rains; some camps close; green season deals
Jun	Good	Approaching Mara	Dry season begins; pleasant temperatures
Jul-Oct	Peak	Mara River crossings	Best time; Great Migration in Mara; book 6+ months ahead
Nov-Dec	Good	Moving south	Short rains; bird watching excellent; fewer tourists

Events & Festivals

Event	When	Where	Description
Lamu Cultural Festival	November	Lamu Island	Swahili culture, dhow races, donkey races
Maralal Camel Derby	August	Samburu	International camel race in northern Kenya
Lake Turkana Festival	June	Loiyangalani	Cultural festival with 14 ethnic communities
Koroga Festival	Quarterly	Nairobi	Music, food and culture festival
Great Migration	July-October	Masai Mara	Millions of wildebeest cross the Mara River

Key Dates 2026

Madaraka Day: 1 Jun

Mashujaa Day: 20 Oct

Jamhuri Day: 12 Dec

Great Migration: Jul-Oct

Christmas: 25-26 Dec