Nairobi – Kenyans will enjoy a long weekend this week. The government has declared Friday, 6 June, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha, one of Islam’s most important religious days.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement through a special notice published in the Kenya Gazette.
“This is to notify the general public that Friday will be observed as a public holiday to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha,” said Murkomen. The decision was made under the powers granted by Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act.
The holiday allows Muslims across the country to celebrate the sacred day in line with their customs and religious practices.
What Is Eid-ul-Adha?
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the holiest celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It honours the story of Prophet Ibrahim, known in the Bible as Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to God.
According to Islamic teachings, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram to be offered instead. The moment became a symbol of faith, submission, and divine mercy.
“This day reminds us of devotion, charity, and the importance of giving,” says Sheikh Abdulrahman Idris, an Islamic scholar based in Nairobi. “It’s not just about the ritual – it’s about the values behind it.”
Marking the Day
Muslims begin Eid with a special prayer held in mosques and open fields, often at dawn. After the prayer, families who can afford it sacrifice an animal—usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel—as a symbolic gesture of devotion.
The meat is shared three ways: with the needy, with friends and relatives, and with the household.
“This tradition brings people together and ensures the poor are not left out of the celebration,” said Fatima Noor, a community organiser in Eastleigh. “Everyone gets a share.”
The holiday also includes festive meals, family visits, and acts of charity. Many Muslims take time to reflect, pray, and help those less fortunate.
A Broader Meaning
Beyond the religious rituals, Eid-ul-Adha speaks to broader human values—sacrifice, humility, and compassion.
“It reminds us to put others first and to share what we have,” added Sheikh Idris. “And in today’s world, we need that reminder more than ever.”
Looking Ahead
With Friday now officially a public holiday, many Kenyans—Muslim and non-Muslim—are expected to travel, rest, or take part in communal events. Authorities are encouraging all citizens to respect the day and observe it in line with cultural and religious norms.
As the country gears up for the celebrations, the Ministry of Interior says the holiday is a time to “promote unity, reflection, and spiritual renewal.”
