Festivals & Events

1. Madaraka Day

   Madaraka Day (1 June)

   Usage

   1 June, a national holiday marking Kenya's internal self-rule in 1963. To name the holiday or ask what is happening that day.

   Grammar Note

   The holiday names are Swahili, and Kikuyu speakers use these same names; no Kikuyu respelling was made. "Madaraka" is Swahili for "authority, rule".

2. Mashujaa Day

   Mashujaa Day (Heroes' Day, 20 October)

   Usage

   20 October, a national holiday honouring those who served in Kenya's road to independence. To name the holiday or ask what is happening that day.

   Grammar Note

   The holiday names are Swahili, and Kikuyu speakers use these same names; no Kikuyu respelling was made. "Mashujaa" is Swahili for "heroes".

3. Jamhuri Day

   Jamhuri Day (12 December)

   Usage

   12 December, a national holiday celebrating independence (1963) and the republic (1964). To name the holiday or ask what is happening that day.

   Grammar Note

   The holiday names are Swahili, and Kikuyu speakers use these same names; no Kikuyu respelling was made. "Jamhuri" is Swahili for "republic".

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