The National Day of Kenya is on the 12 December (Independence Day, from the United Kingdom 1963; Republic Day, (Jamhuri Day), 1964). You will note that the day is also known as Jamhuri Day. This means Republic Day in Kenya which is in the Swahili language.
National Day of Kenya
This day celebrates the day when Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule in 1963 and became a republic in 1964. This was a long and often violent struggle for freedom. There had been a number of people who helped Kenya gain it independence. Firstly there was Jomo Kenyatta who was a key figure as well as the country’s first president after liberation. He was the founder of the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
Secondly there was Dedan Kimathi who was the leader of the Mau Mau rebellion. This was a major factor in Kenya’s independence struggle. Unfortunately he was captured and executed by the British colonial government in 1957. Thirdly there was also Tom Mboya who was the founder of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). He played an important part in the negotiations with the British. Finally there was Pio Gama Pinto who was a political activist who fought for Kenya’s independence who was assassinated in 1965.
Likewise there is also the National Day of Lesotho as well as the National Day of Mauritania and the National Day of Ghana.
Public Holidays in Kenya
Here is a list of the public holidays in Kenya:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Good Friday – varies depending on the lunar calendar
- Easter Monday – varies depending on the lunar calendar
- Labor Day – May 1st
- Madaraka Day (National Day) – June 1st
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) – varies depending on the lunar calendar
- Mashujaa Day (Heroes’ Day) – October 20thDiwali (Festival of Lights) – varies depending on the lunar calendar
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) – varies depending on the lunar calendar
- Jamhuri Day (Independence Day) – December 12th
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Boxing Day – December 26th
It’s important to note that the dates of some of these holidays are subject to change. See also the Vietnam national day.
