President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
The government has finally released the official 2026 annual calendar outlining key national days and significant events, detailing when and where each will be marked across the country.
The schedule, communicated by the Executive Office of the President, sets the stage for nationwide commemorations anchored on specific themes and host counties, notable among them Madaraka Day, which will be celebrated in Wajir, for the first time in the history of the republic.
“Article 9 of the Constitution posits national days as occasions to strengthen our national identity and fortify nationhood. In furtherance of this aspiration, this Administration has since 2022 observed national days under a defined thematic area,” the circular read in part.
Adding that, “In that regard, it is notified that the 2026 calendar of national days and other designated events of national significance shall be commemorated under the thematic areas set out and, in the counties, specified hereunder.”
In the circular dated April 14, this year, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei, Labour Day will be marked on May 1, 2026, in Vihiga County.
This will set off a series of state-led events that will rotate across different counties of the country as has been the tradition since the onset of the devolved governments.
Madaraka Day, scheduled for June 1, will be held in Wajir County, while the Ocean Conference, a key international event, will take place between June 16 and 18 across Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
The Ministry of Interior is currently overseeing the construction of a 10,000-seat stadium in Wajir, set to be completed before May, where the Madaraka Day will be held.
Alongside the stadium is the expansion of Wajir International Airport with works on the terminal building, taxiway and runway currently in high gear ahead of the celebrations.
Further, Katiba Day, observed on August 27, will be hosted in Nairobi under the theme ‘Education, Skills and The Future,’ where the government intends to lay emphasis on human capital development and innovation.
Later in the year, Mazingira Day will be commemorated on October 10 in Trans Nzoia County, followed closely by Mashujaa Day on October 20 in Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
The two events will be used to honour Kenya’s heroes and environmental sustainability efforts.
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According to the letter, Jamhuri Day celebrations will be held in the metropolitan county of Kiambu on December 12.
This marks Kenya’s independence milestone, where President William Ruto will lead Kenyans in the important national commemoration.
On the other hand, Minorities Day will be held on December 18 and will take place in Marsabit County, where the government intends to promote inclusivity and diversity.
The government has tasked Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, with working alongside ministries and state departments.
This is aimed to ensure smooth planning and coordination of activities leading up to each event.
President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
