The Kenya government has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr, the festival celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a gazette notice released on Wednesday, Kipchumba Murkomen announced the holiday in accordance with Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act.
Idd-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most significant observances in the Islamic calendar. Muslim faithful begin their day with prayers and break their month-long fast, known as saum, which involves abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset. The month of Ramadan fosters self-discipline, spiritual reflection, empathy, and God-consciousness, known as taqwa.
Ramadan for 2026 commenced on February 18. The month is also revered as the period when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
The public holiday provides an opportunity for Muslims across the country to celebrate with family, participate in communal prayers, and engage in acts of charity.
