Holidays in Kenya offer a colorful tapestry of traditions and celebrations, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and diverse community spirit. In 2025, a lineup of public holidays promises moments of joy, reflection, and unity for Kenyans across the country. From the excitement of New Year’s Day to the solemn observance of Good Friday, each holiday holds significance in the hearts of the people.
This blog provides an overview of the public holidays in Kenya in 2025, highlighting religious, national, and international occasions that bring families and communities together. Join us on a journey through Kenya’s festive calendar as we explore the customs, rituals, and values that define each holiday and strengthen the bonds of kinship and tradition.
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Public Holidays in Kenya In 2025
Here is the list of public holidays in Kenya in 2025. The holidays include religious, national, and international celebrations, providing opportunities for Kenyans to come together, honor their history, and enjoy time with loved ones.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Madaraka Day | Jun 01, 2025 | Sunday |
| Madaraka Day Holiday | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Moi Day | Oct 10, 2025 | Friday |
| Mashujaa Day | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Jamhuri Day | Dec 12, 2025 | Friday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is when people in Kenya, like in many other places, celebrate the start of a new year. It’s a time to think about the past year and make plans or promises for the coming one. Many Kenyans go to church, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy special meals.
In cities such as Nairobi, there are often fun things like fireworks, music, and dancing. People also like to throw parties on New Year’s Eve. Overall, New Year’s Day is a happy time for people to come together and look forward to the future.
Eid al-Fitr (April 1)
Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration for Muslims in Kenya and around the world. It happens after Ramadan, a month when Muslims fast during the day. Eid al-Fitr starts when the new moon is seen, showing the start of the month after Ramadan.
On this day, Muslims go to special morning prayers at mosques or in open spaces. After prayers, they visit friends and family, give each other gifts, and eat special meals. Kids often get new clothes and presents. Many Muslims also give to charity to help others celebrate. In Kenya, Eid al-Fitr is a day off, so Muslim communities can enjoy the celebration together.
Good Friday (Apr 18)
Good Friday is an important day for Christians in Kenya and around the world. It’s the Friday before Easter Sunday and remembers when Jesus was crucified. For Christians, it’s a time to think about the big sacrifice Jesus made for everyone.
In Kenya, churches have special services, and some act out the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Some Christians also fast or avoid certain foods on Good Friday to show respect and think about their faith. It’s a quiet day, with many businesses closed. Good Friday is part of Easter weekend, which ends with Easter Sunday, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.
Easter Monday (Apr 21)
Easter Monday comes right after Easter Sunday and is a day off in Kenya. It’s a chance for people to keep celebrating Easter and spend time with family and friends. Many Kenyans go to church, join community events, or visit relatives.
Some churches have special Easter Monday services or fun activities like picnics. This holiday gives people more time to think about what Easter means and enjoy being with loved ones.
Labour Day (May 1)
Labour Day is on May 1st in Kenya and many other countries. It’s a day to recognize and celebrate workers and their achievements. Labour Day started in the late 19th century when workers fought for better conditions and rights. In Kenya, workers often come together through unions to talk about their rights and celebrate what they’ve done.
Lots of businesses and government offices close, and there might be marches, rallies, or speeches about work issues. It’s also a day for workers to relax and spend time with family.
Madaraka Day (June 1)
Madaraka Day is a big deal in Kenya, celebrated on June 1st. It remembers when Kenya became self-governing in 1963, not ruled by Britain anymore. “Madaraka” means “power” or “responsibility” in Swahili.
On this day, Kenyans think about their journey to independence and what they’ve achieved since then. There are national ceremonies, speeches from leaders, parades, and cultural events showing Kenya’s different traditions. Many people also spend time with loved ones, eating special food and doing fun things. Madaraka Day is a chance for Kenyans to be proud of their country and think about making it even better.
Eid al-Adha (Jun 07)
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another big celebration for Muslims in Kenya. It’s about Ibrahim (Abraham) being ready to sacrifice his son, showing how much he trusted God. Muslims believe God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. Eid al-Adha happens on the 10th day of a special month and lasts for four days.
Muslims go to prayers and listen to sermons at mosques. Many families share meat with each other and give to those who need it. This shows their faith and teaches about sharing. In Kenya, Eid al-Adha brings Muslims together to celebrate and help each other.
Moi Day (October 10)
Moi Day is on October 10th and is a day off in Kenya. It’s named after Daniel arap Moi, who was Kenya’s second President. It started to honor him for helping Kenya grow and stay peaceful. But later, it became more about remembering Kenya’s history and past leaders. Some people celebrate with events or talks, but others just relax with family and friends.
Mashujaa Day (October 20)
Mashujaa Day is on October 20th and is also called Heroes’ Day. It’s a day to honor everyone who fought for Kenya’s freedom and those who’ve helped Kenya since then. “Mashujaa” means “heroes” in Swahili.
The day remembers the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s, an important time in Kenya’s fight for independence. Kenyans thank those who’ve worked hard for the country and think about how they can help too. There are ceremonies, parades, and speeches, showing pride in Kenya and its people.
Jamhuri Day (December 12)
Jamhuri Day is on December 12th and celebrates Kenya’s independence from Britain in 1963. “Jamhuri” means “republic” in Swahili. It’s a time to think about how Kenya has grown since then and what still needs to be done.
There are big ceremonies with the President, parades, and cultural shows all over Kenya. People spend time with family and friends, eating good food and having fun. Jamhuri Day is about being proud of Kenya and looking forward to the future.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Christmas Day is on December 25th and is a happy time for Christians in Kenya. It’s when they remember Jesus’ birth and spend time with loved ones. Many Kenyans go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to sing songs and hear stories.
Homes and churches are decorated with lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees. Families give each other gifts, eat special food, and enjoy being together. Christmas is also about helping others, with charities giving to those who need it. Overall, it’s a warm and joyful time for everyone.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Boxing Day is on December 26th and is a bit like an extra day of Christmas in Kenya. It’s a day for more family time and fun after the big day before. Some people go visiting or have parties. Others might go shopping, as some stores have special sales. It’s also a chance for workers to rest before going back to normal routines. Boxing Day is about keeping the festive feeling going for a little longer.