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The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Interior, has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday.
This follows a special issue of the Kenya Gazette published on March 18, 2026, confirming the announcement.
According to Gazette Notice No. 3955 issued under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110), the day will be observed nationwide to mark the religious celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
In the notice, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen formally declared the holiday, citing powers granted under Section 2(1) of the Act.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 20th March, 2026, shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” the notice reads.
The declaration allows Muslims across the country to take part in celebrations marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Fitr: Importance for Muslims
Eid al-Fitr means “the festival of breaking the fast” and marks the end of Ramadan.
It signifies the conclusion of the holy month, which Muslims dedicate to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
This year, Muslims in Kenya began observing Ramadan on February 19 following confirmed local moon sightings.
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On this day, Muslims give charity to the poor and needy before attending special Eid prayers. They also hold feasts and celebrations, which vary depending on local traditions.
Ramadan in 2025 began on the evening of Friday, February 28, and is expected to end on the evening of Saturday, March 29.
It is the holiest month in Islam and falls in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Also Read: Ramadan 2026: What to Know as the Holy Month Begins
The crescent moon marks the beginning and end of Ramadan, a period devoted to fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
Muslims believe this is the time when the Quran, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
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