Nairobi Events

Madaraka Day, 1 Jun, a nationwide public holiday celebrating the granting of self-government in 1960
Kenya Fashion Week, Jun, brings together designers from across the country (website: www.kenyafashionweek.com)
Tusker Safari Sevens, Jun, a high-profile international seven-a-side rugby tournament (website: www.safarisevens.com)
Kenya Music Festival, 10 days in Aug, features African, expat and western musicians performing in Nairobi
Moi Day, 10 Oct, a nationwide public holiday
Kenyatta Day, 20 Oct, a nationwide public holiday commemorating the anniversary of former president Jomo Kenyatta's imprisonment
Jamhuri (Independence Day), 12 Dec, the country's most important festival commemorating Kenya's independence from the United Kingdom on 12 December 1963 and its establishment as a republic a year later, celebrated nationwide with feasting, dancing, military parades and carnivals

Islamic holidays are dependent on the moon and the exact timing of the festivals is only confirmed shortly in advance of the event. The most important are: Eid al-Kebir, which commemorates the moment when Abraham almost sacrificed his son in accordance with God's will; Maulidi, which celebrates the birth of the prophet Mohammed; Ramadan, which is a 30-day fast; and Eid al-Fitr, a two-day festival that marks the end of Ramadan and is East Africa's most important Islamic celebration.