Calendar

The business week in Kenya extends from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for offices, and 8:00 – 3:00 p.m. for banks. Some banks are open two Saturdays per month (usually the first and last Saturday of the month) until lunchtime. Most business employees take a one-hour lunch at either 12:30 or 1:00.

Stores are normally open on Saturday and closed on Sunday, although a few open up just for Sunday morning. Shops are closed during major holidays, although kiosks, theatres, video arcades and restaurants generally remain open.

Easter and Christmas are celebrated in a manner similar to England. Easter begins on Good Friday and lasts until Monday. Government and other business offices close down on Thursday evening and open on Tuesday morning. Since this is also the time for the International Safari Rally, most Kenyans associate the long Easter weekend with that event. December 25 is Christmas and 26 is Boxing Day at which time friends and family exchange gifts. Both days are public holidays, and no official business is conducted.

Major Holidays in Kenya are as follows:

New Year’s Day (January 1)
Easter (Sunday and Monday in March/April)
Labor Day/May Day (May 1)
Madaraka Day (June 1)
Moi Day (October 10)
Kenyatta Day (October 20)
Jamhuri Day "Independence" (December 12)
Christmas Day (December 25)
Boxing Day (December 26)