Arjen, thankyou for your list of public holidays in Kenya. Indeed the 12th December is a very important day for Kenyans and is called 'Jamhuri Day'. I was surprised to find out that this is the day when many engaged couples decide to get married. I think it may be to remind the forgetful men in the future when to pay good respects to their wives.
Dec 28, 2009
National holidays by: Arjen (webmaster)
Kenya is predominantly Christian (with smaller groups adhering to Islam and native beliefs), and all the major Christian holidays are observered: Good Friday, Eastern, Christmas, etc. May Day (May 1st) is also observed.
Some of the other important national holidays in Kenya are:
- June 1st - Madaraka Day - On this day in 1963, Kenya got internal self-rule while awaiting full independence from the British on December 12th, 1963.
- September 10th - Eid al-Fitr (the end of the Ramadan month of fasting which is observed by Kenyan Muslims, who largely live in the Coast area)
- October 10th - Moi Day - Since first president Kenyatta had a day named after himself, second president wanted one, too.
- October 20th - Kenyatta Day - Remembers those who died in the fight for independence from the British.
- December 12th - Independence Day - Commemorates the day Kenya got full independence in 1963.
