By Andrew Kariuki

The government has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid ul-Fitr, according to a special issue of the Kenya Gazette published on March 18, 2026.

In a gazette notice issued under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110), the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, announced the holiday to allow Muslims across the country to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“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 declares that Friday, the 20th March, 2026, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid ul-Fitr,” the notice reads in part.

Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most significant religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar, marking the conclusion of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

The declaration means that government offices, schools, and most businesses will remain closed on the day, allowing Kenyans of the Islamic faith to observe the holiday with family and community.

The announcement follows the tradition of officially gazetting public holidays to ensure nationwide observance in accordance with the law.