By Andrew Kariuki

The government has officially declared Wednesday, May 27, 2026, a public holiday to mark the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha.

The announcement was made through a special issue of the Kenya Gazette published on Monday, May 25, under Gazette Notice No. 7653 issued pursuant to the Public Holidays Act.

In the notice, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the holiday had been declared in exercise of powers granted under Section 3(1) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110).

“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, 2026, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” the gazette notice states.

The declaration means government offices, learning institutions, courts and a majority of businesses are expected to remain closed as Muslims across the country and around the world observe one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before being provided with a ram in place of the child.

The celebration is marked by prayers, charity, family gatherings and the symbolic sacrifice of livestock, with meat often shared among relatives, neighbours and vulnerable members of society.

The public holiday comes as Muslim faithful prepare for nationwide prayers and celebrations expected to take place in mosques, open prayer grounds and homes across the country.