Holidays falling on a Sunday move to the Monday. The December stretch from Jamhuri Day to New Year is when most people travel upcountry and offices run thin.

If you're visiting

The three national days bring presidential celebrations that rotate between counties, closing roads in the host town. Banks and government close; malls and matatus run.

If you live here

Occasional one-off public holidays are gazetted at very short notice — check before scheduling anything that depends on government offices.

Nearby countries

Neighbours of Kenya — see their holidays, or compare the two calendars side by side.

What these days actually mean

Observance, business closures and transport impact for the next few dates.

Jamhuri Day

12 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: Officially recognised as a public holiday, so most people have the day off work.
Business: Expect offices, banks and the majority of shops to be closed.
Transport: Public transport usually runs a Sunday or holiday timetable.

General guidance based on this day's official classification, not country-specific reporting.

Christmas Day

25 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The central Christian winter feast; in most countries the household gathering matters more than the church service.
Business: Near-total closure of retail, offices and banks. Expect the preceding afternoon to shut early too.
Transport: Skeleton or suspended services in many countries. Book intercity travel well ahead.

Boxing Day

26 Dec 2026

Public

Observance: The day after Christmas — traditionally for visiting, sport fixtures and, more recently, the sales.
Business: A bank holiday, but large retailers open for discount trading in many countries.
Transport: Limited early services; shopping districts get very crowded from mid-morning.