Are Good Friday and Easter Public Holidays in Kenya? Everything You Need to Know

Kenya is a nation with a strong religious heritage, with approximately 85% of the population identifying as Christian, according to recent census data. Because of this, Easter is one of the most anticipated times of the year. The Easter weekend isn’t just about church and prayer—it’s about family reunions, travel, rest, and cultural traditions that bring people together.

What Is Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. The resurrection is said to have taken place on the third day after Jesus was crucified by the Romans. This makes Easter the culmination of Holy Week, which begins with Palm Sunday and includes:

• Holy Thursday (also called Maundy Thursday)
• Good Friday (commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion)
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Sunday (celebrating the resurrection)

Easter is the most important event in the Christian calendar. It’s a time of spiritual renewal, joy, and hope, especially after the 40-day period of Lent, which is marked by prayer, fasting, and penance.

Are Good Friday and Easter Public Holidays in Kenya?

Good Friday – A Public Holiday in Kenya

Yes, Good Friday is a public holiday in Kenya. This solemn day is observed nationwide and is officially recognized on the country’s holiday calendar.

Good Friday is the day Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a day of mourning and reflection, often marked with special church services, fasting, prayer, and community processions known as the Stations of the Cross. Churches across Kenya host long services, and most believers spend the day in worship and solemn remembrance.

Because it is a public holiday, most government offices, schools, and businesses remain closed. In towns and cities, traffic is usually lighter, and many Kenyans travel to their rural homes to be with family.

Easter Sunday – Not a Public Holiday (But Widely Celebrated)

Although Easter Sunday is not an official public holiday in Kenya (since it falls on a Sunday, which is already a non-working day), it remains the most important day of the Easter season. It is the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is marked with great joy, music, and worship across the country.

Church services on Easter Sunday are typically more vibrant and festive. Churches are often decorated with flowers and white cloth to symbolize resurrection and purity. Congregations sing songs of victory, and pastors preach about hope and renewal.

Easter Sunday is also a time for family gatherings, special meals, and visits with friends and neighbors. For many Kenyans, it is a day of thanksgiving—celebrating life, love, and the end of spiritual fasting.

Easter Monday – A Public Holiday in Kenya

In Kenya, Easter Monday is also an official public holiday. Falling on the Monday after Easter Sunday, it gives Kenyans a long weekend, typically referred to as the Easter Holiday Weekend.

Easter Monday is usually a more relaxed day compared to the spiritual intensity of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Many Kenyans use the day to rest, travel back from the village, or participate in family outings, sports, and picnics.

Churches may hold morning services, but it is not uncommon to see parks, beaches, and recreational areas full of families enjoying their day off.

Easter 2025 in Kenya: Key Dates

For 2025, the Easter weekend will fall as follows:

• Good Friday: April 18, 2025 (Public Holiday)
• Easter Sunday: April 20, 2025 (Religious Celebration)
• Easter Monday: April 21, 2025 (Public Holiday)

This means Kenyans will enjoy a three-day weekend, starting from Friday to Monday, making it a great opportunity for travel, family reunions, or spiritual retreats.

How Kenyans Celebrate the Easter Weekend

Easter in Kenya blends deep spiritual observance with rich cultural and social traditions. Here’s how most Kenyans spend the Easter weekend:

1. Church Services and Religious Events

The most important aspect of Easter in Kenya is church attendance. Many Christians attend all the major Holy Week services—from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, Easter Vigil on Saturday, and Easter Sunday celebration.

Some churches organize all-night prayer vigils, especially on Holy Saturday leading into Easter Sunday. Others organize dramatic reenactments of the Passion of Christ, where church members perform the events leading up to the crucifixion. These are often open to the public and draw large crowds.

2. Traveling Upcountry

For many Kenyans, Easter is a time to travel from the cities back to their rural homes, known as “going shags.” This tradition allows families to reconnect, honor their roots, and celebrate the holiday in the village setting.

Because of this, public transport gets busier, and fares often rise during Easter weekend. Bus companies and matatus are in high demand, and highways see more traffic than usual.

3. Family Meals and Feasting

Easter meals in Kenya are big events. After the long period of Lent, which often involves fasting or giving up certain foods, Easter becomes a time for celebration.

Common dishes served during Easter include:

• Nyama choma (grilled meat)
• Chapati
• Pilau
• Ugali with sukuma wiki
• Chicken stew
• Mandazi (fried dough)
• Special desserts and drinks

It’s a time when relatives and friends gather to eat, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company.

4. Community Events and Charitable Acts

Some churches and community groups organize Easter outreach events—such as feeding programs for the needy, hospital visits, and Easter concerts. These acts of kindness reflect the message of love and sacrifice that is at the heart of Easter.

5. Entertainment and Getaways

For others, Easter is a chance to unwind. Many Kenyans take advantage of the long weekend to travel to tourist destinations, including the coast (Mombasa, Diani, Malindi), national parks, or the Great Rift Valley.

Hotels and resorts often offer Easter holiday packages, and events like music concerts, beach parties, and sports tournaments are common.

Easter Holidays and Kenya’s National Identity

Public holidays are more than just days off work—they often reflect the values and identity of a nation. In Kenya, the recognition of Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays speaks to the country’s majority Christian population and religious heritage.

These holidays foster unity across different ethnic, economic, and generational lines. Whether you are a young professional in Nairobi, a farmer in Kitale, or a student in Mombasa, chances are you are part of an Easter celebration in some way.

Moreover, Easter is not confined to one denomination. Whether Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal, or Seventh-day Adventist, Christians across Kenya celebrate Easter in shared faith—even if their methods and traditions differ.

How Kenya Compares to Other Countries

Kenya is not alone in recognizing Easter as a public holiday. Many countries around the world observe either Good Friday, Easter Monday, or both. Here’s a quick comparison:

In many Western countries, Easter Monday is treated more as a secular day off, while in Kenya it retains a strong religious and family-oriented significance.

Easter in Kenya Is More Than a Holiday

So, are Good Friday and Easter federal holidays in Kenya? Absolutely—Good Friday and Easter Monday are recognized public holidays, allowing Kenyans to observe this sacred season with reflection, rest, and rejoicing.

While Easter Sunday itself is not a public holiday (because it falls on a Sunday), it remains the heart of the Easter message and is celebrated with unmatched joy and faith throughout the country.

Whether you are spending the weekend in quiet prayer, visiting your hometown, attending a vibrant church service, or enjoying a well-earned getaway, Easter in Kenya is a time of unity, renewal, and hope.