Government Declares June 6 Public Holiday to Mark Eid-al-Adha
The Government of Kenya has officially declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-al-Adha, one of the most sacred festivals in the Islamic calendar. The announcement was made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen through a special gazette notice released on Wednesday.
The declaration, made under the Public Holidays Act (Section 2(1)), permits the Muslim community and the wider Kenyan public to observe the day in recognition of its religious significance. This move aligns with Kenya’s tradition of acknowledging major religious and cultural holidays observed by its diverse population.
“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, 6th June, 2025, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” read the notice in part.
Eid-al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to honor the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of submission to Allah’s command. However, just before the sacrifice could occur, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
This event is commemorated annually through the ritual sacrifice of an animal, an act known as Qurbani. The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three portions—one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy—underscoring the festival’s emphasis on charity and community solidarity.
The celebration falls on the 10th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and follows the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. The date of Eid-al-Adha varies each year based on the sighting of the moon, and its confirmation is traditionally dependent on religious authorities.
In Kenya, Eid-al-Adha is marked by early morning prayers (Eid Salaah), which are performed in congregation, usually in mosques or designated prayer grounds. Following the prayers, Muslims who are financially able carry out the Qurbani by slaughtering permitted animals such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels. The animals must meet specific age and health criteria and be slaughtered in accordance with halal practices.
A single sheep, goat, or lamb constitutes one Qurbani share, while larger animals like cows or camels can be divided into seven shares. This aspect of the celebration reinforces the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and compassion.
The observance of Eid-al-Adha typically spans two to four days, depending on local customs and government declarations. The holiday is also a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and acts of benevolence, with many Muslims using the occasion to reach out to the less fortunate in society.
This year’s celebration comes a few months after Eid-ul-Fitr, which was observed on Monday, March 31, 2025, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. Ramadhan began on Saturday, March 1, and lasted 30 days, during which Muslims engaged in fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The government’s declaration of June 6 as a public holiday ensures that Muslims across Kenya can observe the festival without work-related disruptions. It also underscores the state’s recognition of the religious rights and cultural practices of its citizens.
With the public holiday now gazetted, Kenyans are advised to plan accordingly, especially in sectors such as education, banking, and public transport, which may experience operational adjustments in light of the nationwide observance.
As preparations for the festival begin, community leaders and religious authorities are urging worshippers to uphold public health and safety guidelines during congregational prayers and celebrations.
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Government Declares June 6 Public Holiday to Mark Eid-al-Adha