Kenya Public Holidays /Festivals 2024/2025

Kenya has approximately 12 national public holidays celebrated around the country each year. All of these festivals/holidays are associated with local culture or religious, national, or cultural events related to the country. See below Kenya's public holidays:

• New Year's Day: January 1st each year Good Friday: In March/April — the exact date varies each year
• Easter Monday: In March/April on the day after Easter Sunday.
• Eid al-Fitr: The date varies each year, depending on the sight of the moon and the Muslim calendar. (This is an optional holiday.)
• Labor Day: May 1st each year
• Madaraka Day: June 1st each year, commemorates the day when the country attained self-governance from British colonial administration
• Eid al-Adha: The date varies each year, depending on the sight of the moon and the Muslim calendar. (This is an optional holiday.)
• Utamaduni Day: October 10th — to celebrate Kenya's incredibly diverse cultures and rich heritage
• Mashujaa Day/Kenyatta Day: October 20th, dedicated to those who contributed to Kenya's independence
• Jamhuri Day/Independence Day: December 12th
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day/Utamaduni Day: December 26th Diwali: The date varies each year (this is an optional holiday).

If you visit Kenya during some of these public holidays, your travel might be affected by businesses being closed. However, traveling during a festival period is also a good opportunity to encounter authentic local culture.

Kenya Public Holiday Dates for 2024

Kenya Public Holiday 2025

Notes:

• Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are only celebrated by Muslims and, therefore, they are optional holidays. The actual festivals begin on sundown before the holiday date and extend until sundown 2 days afterward.
• Diwali is only celebrated by Hindus and is also not a public holiday.

Major October Holidays in Kenya

If you plan to visit Kenya in October, it's important to be aware of the following holidays. Some businesses may be closed during these times:

Mashujaa Day (October 20th)

It is a day to honor and celebrate the heroes and heroines who contributed to the country's struggle for independence. There are many cultural performances and dances on this day.

Utamaduni Day (October 10th)

Utamaduni Day, also known as National Culture and Heritage Day, is a public holiday in Kenya. The word Utamaduni means 'culture' in Swahili and the day is dedicated to honoring and promoting the diverse cultural heritage of the Kenyan people.

During this festival, there are various cultural performances and dances held in public parks, particularly in Nairobi.

Major December Holidays in Kenya

December is a great time to visit Kenya as there is usually less rain and fewer travelers. It also provides an opportunity to experience the local culture during Kenya's holidays. But you also need to know that during the holidays, businesses may be closed. Here are some of the major holidays celebrated in December.

Jamhuri Day (December 12th)

Jamhuri Day is Kenya's Independence Day and a significant public holiday. It commemorates the day Kenya became a republic in 1964. There are public ceremonies, street parades, cultural activities, and sports events for this day.

Christmas (December 25th)

Christmas is an important holiday in Kenya. People have a day off on December 25th to celebrate. Kenyans celebrate Christmas in a similar way to those in Western countries. They attend church services, enjoy family dinners, and exchange gifts.

However, there are some unique traditions in Kenya, such as serving goat for Christmas dinner and using balloons, flowers, and leaves to decorate their homes instead of tinsel and lights.

Boxing Day (December 26th)

Boxing Day is celebrated in Kenya as part of the Christmas holiday.

Originally associated with giving gifts or "boxes" to the less fortunate in the United Kingdom, Boxing Day in Kenya has evolved into a day of relaxation, family gatherings, outings, and sometimes shopping.

Diwali Holidays in Kenya (November 1, 2024 / October 20, 2025)

Diwali is not a public holiday in Kenya. It is only celebrated by Hindus in the country. The date of Diwali varies each year as it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls in October or November.

In Nairobi and Mombasa, there are traditional performances and dances during Diwali in the Hindu communities. Other activities include the lighting of oil lamps (diyas) and colorful decorations.

You need to know that during Diwali, some businesses and offices may close. Eid al-Fitr Holidays in Kenya (April 10, 2024 / March 31, 2025) Eid al-Fitr is only celebrated by Muslims in the country and is not a public holiday. The date of the holiday varies each year. During the festival, some businesses and Muslim-owned shops may close.

Eid al-Fitr Holidays in Kenya (April 10, 2024 / March 31, 2025)

Eid al-Fitr is only celebrated by Muslims in the country and is not a public holiday. The date of the holiday varies each year. During the festival, some businesses and Muslim-owned shops may close.

The Best Traditional Tribal Festivals in Kenya

Maasai tribe village visit

While these festivals are not official public holidays, they are celebrated with vibrant local flavors, energetic dances, colorful costumes, and primitive arts. They offer an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about Kenya's diverse tribal cultures. If you happen to visit Kenya during these festivals, it is highly recommended to witness their vibrant celebrations.

Mombasa Carnival

• Date: November, the exact date is yet to be determined
• Venue: Mombasa

The Mombasa Carnival is a lively festival that brings the streets of Mombasa to life with parades, music, dance performances, floats, and traditional costumes. Various ethnic groups participate in the carnival, showcasing their cultural traditions through music, dance, arts, and crafts.

It provides an excellent chance for travelers to immerse themselves in the local tribal culture.

Lamu Cultural Festival

• Date: late November (the exact date is to be determined)
• Venue: Lamu Island

The festival is a fascinating cultural event held on Lamu Island, known for its beautiful beaches. During the festival, you could witness the traditional dances of local tribes, vibrant traditional attire, and handmade arts. The festival also features dhow races, showcasing the sailing boats used along the coast.

It offers a unique opportunity to experience the local way of life and their cultural heritage.

Lake Turkana Cultural Festival

• Date: May
• Venue: Lake Turkana in northern Kenya

This is one of the most enchanting festivals in Kenya due to its vibrant colors and various performances. The festival takes place on the shore of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya. Several different tribes living in the area take part in the festival.

During the festival, you would see colorful local customs, interesting dances and shows, primitive attires, and local arts and crafts. The festival offers an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and engage with the rich cultural heritage of the local people in Kenya.

Maralal International Camel Derby

• Month: August
• Lake Turkana in northern Kenya

Maralal International Camel Derby is mainly a sports event featuring camel races. It is held in Maralal, a town in northern Kenya, which is about 70 kilometers (40 miles) from Samburu National Reserve.

Apart from the camel races, there are also vibrant cultural activities, such as dance performances and displays of local arts and crafts. If you plan to visit Samburu National Reserve in August, you may consider going to experience this festival. It is a great chance to immerse yourself in the local Samburu culture, observing the people and their lifestyle.

Tips for Visiting Kenya during Public Holidays

Businesses close: During public holidays, banks, and businesses may close or have limited operating hours.

National animal reserves and parks remain open: National animal reserves and parks in Kenya do not close during public holidays. These reserves, such as Maasai Mara National Reserve remain open to visitors throughout the year, including public holidays.

Lodges and accommodation adjust their operating hours: However, it's worth noting that some lodges, other accommodations, or visitor centers within the reserves may have adjusted operating hours or reduced services during public holidays. It's recommended to check with your accommodation or us in advance to inquire about any potential changes or restrictions during the holiday period.

If you're interested in experiencing the local culture, some of these holiday times are a great opportunity to witness traditional performances and dances. A trip to Kenya should be a brilliant, eye-opening experience. Contact us and we'll tailor-make a Kenya itinerary to explore the country in your own personal way.

 A trip to Kenya should be a brilliant, eye-opening experience. As a discerned traveler, you may look for a special personal experience in Kenya. Contact us and we'll tailor-make a Kenya itinerary to explore the country in your own personal way.