Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to mark Eid-ul-Adha, one of the holiest celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
The announcement was made through a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated May 25, with the Interior Cabinet Secretary formally confirming the nationwide holiday under the Public Holidays Act.
“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,” Murkomen stated in the Gazette notice.
Eid-ul-Adha, also referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by millions of Muslims across the world and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided as a substitute.
The religious event 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, Muslim faithful are expected to gather for early morning prayers in mosques and open grounds before taking part in traditional celebrations with family and friends.
The day is also marked by the slaughtering of animals including goats, sheep, cows, and camels, with meat distributed among relatives, neighbours, and vulnerable families as part of Islamic teachings on charity and compassion.
The celebration symbolises sacrifice, faith, unity, and generosity within the Muslim community and is recognised as a national public holiday in Kenya.
Murkomen’s declaration means government offices, schools, and a majority of businesses across the country will remain closed on Wednesday as Muslims observe the significant religious occasion.
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