HOLIDAYS OF KENYA

Nairobi Show

October 5:

Everyone looks forward to the annual agricultural and technological fair--the largest in Africa--held in the capital city of Nairobi. It is an honor for a farmer to be chosen to display prize potatoes, cabbages, carrots, or cattle there. He also shows other farmers how to improve their productivity. Demonstrations of weaving and pottery give visitors ideas for new sources of income.

Jamhuri

December 12:

The biggest of the national holidays in Kenya, observed to commemorate the full independence of Kenya from the British in 1963. A year later, the country became a republic with Jomo Kenyatta the first president. The day is celebrated nationwide but with special events in Nairobi--speeches by the president and other officials, parades, fireworks, and ngomas, 'dances' performed in public plazas.