The government has declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a public holiday to allow Muslims across the country to mark Eid-ul-Adha.
The announcement was made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen through a gazette notice issued on Tuesday, June 3.
“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, June 6, 2025, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” the notice stated.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. According to Islamic teachings, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.
In Kenya, Muslims will mark the day with special prayers in mosques and open fields, followed by animal sacrifices. The meat is shared in three parts—one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the less fortunate.
The holiday also coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Kenyan pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia are expected to observe the festival with prayers and sacrifices in the holy city of Mina.
