Gazetted Public Holidays in Kenya: 2025 Complete List.
Public holidays are integral to a nation’s cultural identity, offering citizens a break from daily routines to celebrate and reflect. Kenya has 12 gazetted public holidays in 2025, covering national, international, and religious observances.
Overview of Public Holidays in Kenya 2025
Public holidays are eagerly anticipated by many Kenyans as they provide time off from work and school. If a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, it creates an extended weekend, allowing people to relax or engage in other activities. Below is a detailed table of the public holidays for 2025:
| Holiday | Date | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Monday, 1st January | International | Marks the beginning of the new year |
| Good Friday | Friday, 29th March | International | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, 31st March | International | Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 1st April | International | Continuation of Easter celebrations |
| Eid al-Fitr | Wednesday, 10th April | Religious/Public | Marks the end of Ramadan |
| Labour Day | Wednesday, 1st May | International | Celebrates workers’ achievements |
| Madaraka Day | Saturday, 1st June | National | Commemorates Kenya’s attainment of self-rule |
| Eid al-Adha | Sunday, 16th June | Religious/Public | Honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice |
| Mazingira Day | Thursday, 10th October | National | Encourages environmental service and awareness |
| Mashujaa Day | Sunday, 20th October | National | Honors Kenyan heroes |
| Jamhuri Day | Thursday, 12th December | National | Celebrates Kenya’s independence |
| Christmas Day | Wednesday, 25th December | International | Marks the birth of Jesus Christ |
| Boxing Day | Thursday, 26th December | International/National | Focuses on giving and goodwill |
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Holidays in Kenya
How Many Public Holidays Are There in Kenya in 2025?
Kenya has 12 gazetted public holidays in 2025. Additional holidays may be declared as needed, such as the one-time “National Tree Growing Day” on May 10, 2024, which showed solidarity with those affected by climate-related challenges.
What Happens When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend?
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next weekday is observed as the holiday. For instance, if Mashujaa Day falls on a Sunday, Monday becomes the public holiday.
Is Diwali a Public Holiday in Kenya?
Diwali is an optional holiday in Kenya, observed mainly by the Hindu community.
Which African Country Has the Most Public Holidays?
Egypt leads the continent with 22 public holidays annually.
Significance of Each Public Holiday
New Year’s Day (1st January)
New Year’s Day signifies the beginning of a new year and is celebrated globally. Kenyans often mark this day with family gatherings and festivities.
Good Friday and Easter (March/April)
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday celebrates His resurrection, followed by Easter Monday as an additional rest day. The dates are determined by the Paschal calendar and vary each year.
Eid al-Fitr (April)
Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims. Non-Muslims also respect this holiday, often engaging in community activities.
Labour Day (1st May)
This international holiday celebrates workers’ achievements and traces its origins to the labor movement’s advocacy for an eight-hour workday.
Madaraka Day (1st June)
Madaraka Day commemorates Kenya’s self-rule from colonial governance, achieved on this day in 1963.
Eid al-Adha (June)
Known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this Islamic holiday honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
Mazingira Day (10th October)
Previously Huduma Day and Moi Day, this holiday focuses on environmental conservation and service to the community. Justice George Odunga reinstated it after years of being unobserved.
Mashujaa Day (20th October)
Mashujaa Day honors Kenyan heroes who fought for independence. Previously known as Kenyatta Day, it was renamed after the new constitution was promulgated.
Jamhuri Day (12th December)
Jamhuri Day celebrates Kenya’s transition to a republic, marking independence from British rule in 1964.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th-26th December)
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, while Boxing Day focuses on generosity and goodwill, traditionally marked by giving to the less fortunate.
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Additional Insights
- Huduma Day: Now Mazingira Day, this holiday underscores the importance of service and environmental conservation.
- Holiday Declaration Authority: The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration can declare public holidays under the Public Holidays Act (CAP. 110).
- Public Holiday Bill: The proposed Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aimed to create extra holidays if specific public holidays fell near weekends, but it was rejected by the Senate committee in January 2024.
Public holidays in Kenya are more than just days off; they reflect the nation’s history, culture, and religious diversity, offering moments for reflection, celebration, and community service.
