New Year: the locals in Nairobi party as hard as anyone during the annual New Year’s festivities which feature a range of special events around the city.

North Sea Jazz Festival: one of the most popular jazz festivals in the world comes to Nairobi with stellar jazz musicians in tow.

The Safari Rally: this notable car race covers 3,000kms of intense terrain over four days, starting and ending in the capital to a burst of fanfare and fun events.

Madaraka Day: another of Kenya’s national holidays focusing on its move to self-government gives the locals another chance to party.

Rhine Charge: more a fun-run than a car rally, this short race covers 200kms through rugged terrain outside Nairobi in support of the Rhino Ark, a local animal protection group.

Kenyan Safari Rally: another of the country’s well-loved car rallies starts and ends in Nairobi, after two days of serious adventure driving through the countryside.

Camel Derby: the camel is the centre of all the hoopla during this popular annual festival featuring camel races, local music and dancing.

Kenya Music Festival: for ten days, musicians from all over Africa converge on the capital to show off their musical skills.

Kenya Tourism Week: in addition to boosting the image of Kenya’s tourism industry, this big event features local music, food and educational programs.

International Puppetry Festival: traditional forms of puppet performance are showcased in this unique but interesting festival.

Carnival: this fun-filled day features local entertainment, art, food, sporting events and just about anything else the Kenyans can think up.

Kenyatta Day: this national holiday honours those who died fighting for Kenya’s independence.

Mombasa Carnival: this is Kenya’s most fun and popular festival which highlights the country’s culture in every aspect and takes place in the city of Mombasa.

Jamhuri Day: Kenya’s celebration of their 1963 independence is a national holiday when everyone takes a day off and gets very relaxed.