Kenya
Kenya public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Travelers should plan around Kenya’s fixed public holidays—New Year (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May), Madaraka Day (1 Jun), Mashujaa Day (20 Oct), Jamhuri Day (12 Dec), Christmas (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec)—and the movable Islamic holidays (Eid al‑Fitr, Eid al‑Adha) which shift each year; closures of banks, schools and many shops occur on these dates.
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Key facts
- Fixed holidays
- 1 Jan, 1 May, 1 Jun, 20 Oct, 12 Dec, 25 Dec, 26 Dec
- Movable Islamic holidays 2026
- Eid al‑Fitr ~ 15 May, Eid al‑Adha ~ 22 Jul (check)
- Typical closures
- Banks, government offices, schools, many private shops; public transport runs on reduced schedule
Quick answer
Kenya observes nine national public holidays each year, plus two major Islamic festivals that move each year. Most banks, schools, and many businesses close on these days; transport may run on a reduced timetable.
2026 public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Typical closures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day | Banks, schools, most shops |
| 15 May (approx.) | Eid al‑Fitr (check) | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 1 Jun | Madaraka Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 22 Jul (approx.) | Eid al‑Adha (check) | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 20 Oct | Mashujaa Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 12 Dec | Jamhuri Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
| 26 Dec | Boxing Day | Banks, schools, many shops |
Islamic dates shift each year; verify the exact 2026 dates before travel.
Festivals worth planning around
The Great Migration season (Jul–Oct) coincides with Madaraka Day, offering festive atmospheres in safari lodges.
The Lamu Cultural Festival (usually in Nov) showcases Swahili heritage; check dates each year.
Mombasa Carnival (late July) features parades and music; aligns with Eid al‑Adha in some years.
- Great Migration (Jul–Oct)
- Lamu Cultural Festival (Nov, check)
- Mombasa Carnival (Jul, check)
Travel tips for holidays
Book accommodation and transport well in advance of fixed holidays, as domestic flights and lodges fill quickly.
Expect reduced banking hours on public holidays; carry cash or use ATMs that operate 24 h where available.
Public transport (buses, matatus) may run on a reduced schedule; check timetables the day before.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Kenya?
Kenya has nine fixed holidays—New Year (1 Jan), Labour Day (1 May), Madaraka Day (1 Jun), Mashujaa Day (20 Oct), Jamhuri Day (12 Dec), Christmas (25 Dec) and Boxing Day (26 Dec)—plus the movable Islamic holidays Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha.
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Kenya?
Consider the Great Migration (Jul–Oct), Lamu Cultural Festival (Nov, dates vary), and Mombasa Carnival (July, dates vary) for cultural experiences and wildlife viewing.
What closes on public holidays in Kenya?
Banks, government offices, schools, and many private shops close; some restaurants and tourist sites stay open but may have limited staff. Public transport often runs on a reduced timetable.
Do public holidays affect safari lodge availability?
Yes. Domestic flights and lodges fill quickly around fixed holidays, especially Madaraka Day (1 Jun) and Jamhuri Day (12 Dec). Book well in advance.
Are there any regional holidays in Kenya?
Kenya does not have official regional public holidays. However, local festivals such as the Lamu Cultural Festival and Mombasa Carnival may cause temporary closures or crowds in those areas.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
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