Boxing Day
Nationwide public holiday in Kenya
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 December | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 26 December | Sunday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 27 December | Monday | Boxing Day (observed) Observed day off for Boxing Day (Sun 26 Dec) |
Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.
Where it applies
Everywhere in Kenya.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 25 Dec – Sun 27 Dec is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Nairobi around 26 December: high 27°C (81°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 37% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Nairobi. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Saturday 26 December in Nairobi: (MET Norway)
About Boxing Day
Boxing Day falls on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day, and is a public holiday in a number of countries. Its name is commonly traced to the old custom of giving gifts or money, known as Christmas boxes, to servants, tradespeople and others who had provided services during the year. The same date is also the feast of Saint Stephen in many Christian churches.
Traditions
The day is generally a continuation of the Christmas holiday, spent visiting relatives and friends, eating leftovers from the Christmas meal and relaxing. In some countries it is associated with sporting fixtures and with post-Christmas sales.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Kenya
Friday, 1 January 2027
Boxing Day in other countries
Botswana
Eswatini
Gambia
Ghana
Lesotho
Malawi
Nigeria
Rwanda
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Sierra Leone
Tanzania
Uganda
More for Kenya
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.