Official national days

Mashujaa Day

Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day) is a constitutional national day. It honours those who struggled for freedom and Kenyans who contribute significantly to the country’s development.

20 October · National day

Summary guide only. Dates, venues and programmes change. Confirm with the organiser or official announcements before you travel or plan coverage.

What it commemorates

Mashujaa Day focuses on courage, sacrifice and service — including historical freedom fighters and contemporary contribution to national life. It replaced earlier colonial-era or single-personality commemorative framing with a broader constitutional idea of national heroes.

How it is observed

Observance can include state ceremonies, awards or recognition of heroes, cultural programmes and public education about Kenya’s history. The main national venue and guest list are announced for each year.

Legal basis

Listed among the national days in Article 9 of the Constitution.

• Article 9 — National symbols and national days
• Constitution and national values

More in Official national days · All national events

Related

• Madaraka Day
• Jamhuri Day
• Heritage sites

Other topics in this category

• 1 June · National dayMadaraka DayCommemorates internal self-government on 1 June 1963. Observed with state ceremonies.›
• 12 December · National dayJamhuri DayKenya’s main national day on 12 December — independence (1963) and the Republic (1964).›

Published: 15 July 2026 • Last updated: 15 July 2026

This information is regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.