CS Murkomen Declares Friday a Public Holiday for Idd-ul-Fitr Celebrations
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
The announcement was made through a special gazette notice released on Wednesday night. In the notice, Murkomen, who is currently on official duties outside the country, confirmed that the decision was made under the powers granted to him by the Public Holidays Act.
The declaration is intended to give the Muslim community enough time and freedom to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important religious festivals in the Islamic calendar.
Part of the notice stated that Friday would be observed as a public holiday nationwide, emphasizing that the move is meant to recognize and support the religious practices of Muslims across the country.
As a result, most government offices, public institutions, schools, and many private sector businesses, including banks, are expected to remain closed for the day in observance of the celebrations.
Ramadan, which is considered the holiest period for Muslims, is a time dedicated to fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and acts of charity.
During this month, believers fast from dawn to sunset, refraining not only from food and drink but also from negative behavior, as they focus on strengthening their faith and building discipline.
The end of this sacred period is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a day filled with prayers, family gatherings, and charitable giving.
This year, Ramadan is believed to have started around February 18, following the sighting of the crescent moon. The exact end of the fasting period depends on the visibility of the new moon, which signals the beginning of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
On Wednesday evening, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had earlier indicated that the public holiday would most likely fall on Friday after reports confirmed that the crescent moon had not been sighted in Saudi Arabia.
Because the moon was not visible, it meant that Ramadan would continue for an extra day, extending through Thursday. Consequently, Eid al-Fitr celebrations were pushed to Friday, aligning with the government’s official holiday declaration.
This careful observation of the moon remains a key tradition in determining important dates in the Islamic calendar.
Interestingly, this year’s Ramadan has coincided with other major global religious and cultural observances.
The timing has drawn attention as it overlaps with the Christian season of Lent and the Lunar New Year celebrations observed in various parts of the world.
Such a rare alignment highlights the diversity of global traditions, even as they occur within the same calendar period.
For Christians, particularly those in the Catholic faith, Lent is still ongoing. This solemn period of prayer and fasting is expected to conclude in early April with the celebration of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While the religious meanings differ, both Ramadan and Lent emphasize reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal.
Overall, the declaration of the public holiday reflects Kenya’s recognition of religious diversity and the importance of giving all communities the opportunity to observe their traditions.
For many Muslim families, Friday will be a day of joy, gratitude, and togetherness after a month of devotion and sacrifice.
Join Kenya Govt Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
