Official national days

Official national days (overview)

Kenya has three national days named in the Constitution. This overview links to each day. For other public holidays (Labour Day, religious holidays and others), use the holidays page.

Category overview

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

The three national days

Madaraka Day (1 June), Mashujaa Day (20 October) and Jamhuri Day (12 December) are listed in Article 9. They are observed with state ceremonies and are also treated as public holidays in practice.

• Article 9 — National symbols and national days

Events in this category

Open each day for a short history, how it is observed, and related links.

Topics in this category

• 1 June · National dayMadaraka DayCommemorates internal self-government on 1 June 1963. Observed with state ceremonies.›
• 20 October · National dayMashujaa DayHonours heroes of the independence struggle and citizens who contribute to the nation. Observed on 20 October.›
• 12 December · National dayJamhuri DayKenya’s main national day on 12 December — independence (1963) and the Republic (1964).›

Related

• Madaraka Day
• Mashujaa Day
• Jamhuri Day
• Public holidays

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

This information is regularly reviewed to ensure accuracy.