New South Wales guarantees a long weekend for Anzac Day, sparking a debate on productivity versus piety that echoes through Kenya’s own holiday calendar.

In 2026, the remembrance won’t end at sunset. NSW Premier Chris Minns has ensured that when Anzac Day (April 25) falls on a weekend, the Monday belongs to the people. The decision effectively grants the state an extra public holiday for the next two years, a move celebrated by veterans and workers alike but scrutinized by economists.

It’s a move that balances solemnity with sanity. In Kenya, where "public holiday gazettement" is often a last-minute lottery played by the Interior Ministry, the predictability of the NSW model offers a lesson in governance and economic planning.

The Logic of the Long Weekend

Previously, if Anzac Day fell on a Saturday, there was no day off in lieu. The new rule changes that for 2026 and 2027. The Returned and Services League (RSL) backed the move, noting it allows serving personnel—who often work the ceremonies—time to recover with their families.

• The Change: Public holiday on Monday if Anzac Day is Sat/Sun.
• Impact Years: 2026 (Saturday) and 2027 (Sunday).
• Beneficiaries: Workers, veterans, and the tourism sector.

The Kenyan Parallel

Kenya has its own sacred days—Mashujaa Day, Jamhuri Day—and its own inconsistent approach to "days in lieu." The sudden announcement of holidays (like the "Tree Planting Day" surprise) plays havoc with business logistics. The NSW approach demonstrates that honoring history and respecting the economy are not mutually exclusive; they just require a calendar, not a decree.

"It is a reminder of its importance," Minns stated. For the workers of Sydney, it is also a reminder that sometimes, the government actually gives back time.