Boxing Day in Kenya
Kenya’s Public Holidays Act lists Boxing Day on 26 December as a public holiday. The law also sets a Sunday rule and allows some public offices and employees to work that day under specified conditions.[1]
A public holiday set by law
The Constitution names Madaraka Day, Mashujaa Day and Jamhuri Day as Kenya’s national days. It also allows Parliament to prescribe other public holidays. Boxing Day is one of those statutory holidays: the Public Holidays Act lists it in the schedule for 26 December.[1][2]
The Act fixes the date and describes how the holiday is observed when it falls on a Sunday. It does not prescribe a ceremony, particular meal or nationwide event for Boxing Day.[1]
When the date falls on Sunday
If a Part I public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Act makes the first succeeding day that is not already a public holiday the holiday instead; the Sunday date ceases to be one. For Boxing Day, that means the next available day under the statutory rule, usually Monday.[1]
Boxing Day is observed annually on 26 December. Check the date shown for the relevant year, especially when 26 December falls on a Sunday.[1]
Work and practical planning
A public holiday does not guarantee that every employee is off work. The Act allows a government department head to open offices and require staff to perform duties on a public holiday. It also recognizes that written law or an individual agreement may require an employee to work under agreed conditions, including pay rates or time off in lieu.[1]
Opening hours for banks, shops, restaurants and transport services can vary. Residents and visitors should check directly with the office, business or transport provider they plan to use.[1]
Boxing Day in Kenya: common questions
When is Boxing Day in Kenya?
It is listed in the Public Holidays Act on 26 December. If that date falls on Sunday, the first succeeding day that is not already a public holiday becomes the holiday instead.[1]
Does everyone get the day off?
The Act establishes Boxing Day as a public holiday, but allows government departments to open and recognizes that employees may be required to work under applicable law or an individual agreement.[1]
Are employees who work guaranteed extra pay?
The Act says work on a public holiday may be subject to specified or agreed conditions, including rates of pay or time off in lieu. It does not set a single payment amount for every worker.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The Public Holidays Act does not set their operating hours. Check with the individual bank, business or transport provider before making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Kenya:
- Public Holidays Act, Cap. 110 [Rev. 2012]- Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya
- The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 Online- Ministry of Defence, Kenya