Diwali is not a universal public holiday in Kenya. Under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110), it is listed as a faith-specific observance for members of the Hindu community, not a gazetted national day off for all workers. In 2026, Diwali falls on Sunday, 8 November. In this article, TUKO.co.ke speaks to an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, who provides expert insight into public holidays in Kenya.
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The short answer is not for everyone. The Public Holidays Act lists Diwali in Part III of its Schedule, making it a public holiday for all persons belonging to the Hindu faith. The Kenyan law says Diwali may "in every year be public holidays for all persons belonging to the Hindu faith," and not all Kenyans.
In practice, Hindu employees are entitled to the day under Part III of the Act, while most offices and businesses remain open.
Kenya has 12 gazetted public holidays in 2026, made up of national days, Christian holidays, and the two Islamic Idd holidays. Diwali does not appear on that national list.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Lynn W.
