Kenya will observe a public holiday on Wednesday, May 27, to mark Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the decision through a special notice published in the Kenya Gazette on Monday.
“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 declares that Wednesday, the 27th May, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” the notice stated.
The declaration means government offices, schools and many businesses across the country are expected to close as Muslim communities gather for prayers and celebrations.
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, known in Christianity and Judaism as Abraham, to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided in his place.
The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Across Kenya, preparations were already underway on Monday evening in cities and towns with large Muslim populations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa and Kisumu. Markets were busy with families shopping for food, clothing and animals for sacrifice ahead of the celebration.
Traditionally, the day begins with special prayers held in mosques and open grounds shortly after sunrise. Families then gather to share meals and distribute meat to relatives, neighbours and vulnerable households.
Religious leaders often describe the occasion as a reminder of faith, compassion and generosity.
In Kenya, Eid-ul-Adha is recognised as a national public holiday, reflecting the country’s religious diversity and the significant Muslim population along the coast, in the north-eastern region and in urban centres.
The announcement also comes as thousands of Muslim pilgrims from around the world continue arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.