Saturday, 12 December 2026
Confirmed — source checked
This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.
Kenya's independence commemoration is Jamhuri Day on 12 December. Kenya became independent on 12 December 1963 and became a republic on the same date in 1964; the Constitution names Jamhuri Day as a national day and therefore a public holiday.
Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.
Saturday, 12 December 2026 · Confirmed — source checked
Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.
Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.
Official holiday calendar or legal framework
Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-29
Official dated 2026 calendar or current legal rule. The Public Holidays Act supplies the recurring list; Eid dates and special declarations require Gazette notices.
State offices close, with essential duties continuing where required. Private organizations use public-holiday staffing and employment arrangements.
Branches normally close on 12 December and may also close on a statutory substitute day when the date falls on Sunday.
Schools usually have ended the academic year by December, but exact calendars should be verified independently.
The date joins two milestones: independence from British colonial rule in 1963 and establishment of the Republic of Kenya in 1964. “Jamhuri” is Swahili for republic.
Jamhuri Day is one of Kenya's constitutionally designated national days. It focuses national attention on sovereignty, citizenship and the country's development.
The President leads official celebrations and delivers an address. Counties and institutions may hold ceremonies, performances and awards.
Official events can change traffic near the selected national venue. December travel demand also raises pressure on roads and transport.
It is commemorated through Jamhuri Day on 12 December.
Kenya gained independence in 1963 and became a republic on 12 December 1964.
Yes. The Constitution makes each national day a public holiday.
View all Kenya public holidays 2026