Wednesday Declared Public Holiday

The government has declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid-al-Adha.

In a notice issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the holiday was declared under Section 3(1) of the Public Holidays Act.

The notice dated May 25, 2026, officially gazetted Wednesday as a public holiday to allow Muslims across the country to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar.

“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declare that Wednesday, the 27th of May 2026, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” Murkomen said.

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Confirmation of Dates for Dhul-Hijjah, Hajj, and Eid Al Adha

This follows after the Saudi Arabia’s Haramain Sharifain reported on Sunday, the crescent for Dhul Hijjah 1447 was observed, making Monday, May 18, 2026, the first day of the Islamic month.

This announcement ushers in the Hajj pilgrimage and the observance of Eid Al Adha in the coming weeks.

Based on the confirmed dates, Hajj begins on Monday for Muslims, May 25, 2026, followed by the Day of Arafah on Tuesday, May 26, and Eid Al Adha on Wednesday, May 27.

Around the globe, Muslims responded by embarking on the optional 10-day fast of Dhul Hijjah.

Most began their fast on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, one day after the month’s start, and will continue through the Day of Arafah.

“These are the best days in which good deeds are beloved to God,” stated Sheikh Ahmed Yusuf, an imam in Nairobi. “We encourage all to fast and give charity.”

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Religious observances and planning during the first ten days of Fasting

Community leaders reported that the swift confirmation was helpful for families and mosques in planning their prayers and charitable endeavors without delay.

“As soon as the confirmation came, we were able to roll out our 10-day plans,” said Fatima Hassan, a coordinator at an Islamic center in Mombasa, Kenya.

Scholars have stated that the months have scheduled additional lectures and night prayers, and authorities have reiterated that the public should adhere to official sightings and not spread unconfirmed dates.

With Hajj set to begin on May 25, pilgrims are making last-minute arrangements, while at home, the Muslims are concentrating on the mandatory fasts, prayers, and charity during the blessed 10 days.

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Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has gazetted Wednesday, May 27, as a public holiday to mark Eid-al-Adha. PHOTO/ Murkomen X.