Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark the celebration of Idd-ul-Fitr.
The announcement was made through a special gazette notice issued on Wednesday night, confirming that the day will be observed nationwide to allow Muslims 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 for Interior and National Administration declares that Friday, the 20th March, 2026, shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” the notice read in part.
Murkomen, who is currently on official duties outside the country, made the declaration in line with the government’s recognition of key religious holidays observed across Kenya.
End of Ramadan Confirmed
The public holiday comes after confirmation that Ramadan will end on Thursday, following the non-sighting of the crescent moon that signals the beginning of Shawwal in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had hinted that the holiday would likely fall on Friday, noting that the moon had not been sighted on Wednesday evening.
This meant that fasting would continue for one more day, with Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations set to begin on Friday at the start of the new Islamic month.
What Ramadan Represents
Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During this period, Muslims around the world fast daily from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
Beyond fasting, the month emphasizes prayer, reflection, charity, and community bonding, with believers striving to strengthen their relationship with God and practice self-discipline.
Nationwide Closures Expected
Following the declaration, government offices, schools, and most financial institutions across Kenya will remain closed on Friday in observance of the holiday.
The day is typically marked by special prayers, communal meals, and acts of charity, as families and communities come together to celebrate the end of the fasting period.
Rare Global Religious Overlap
This year’s Ramadan has drawn global attention due to its rare alignment with other major religious observances.
In February 2026, Ramadan began around the same time as Lent and the Lunar New Year, creating a unique overlap of significant cultural and spiritual events worldwide.
Meanwhile, Christians—especially Catholics—are still observing Lent, which will culminate in early April with Easter.
Significance of the Holiday
The declaration of Idd-ul-Fitr as a public holiday highlights Kenya’s cultural and religious diversity, recognizing the importance of Islamic traditions within the country.
For many Muslims, the day symbolizes gratitude, renewal, and unity after a month of devotion and sacrifice.