Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Ftr.

The declaration was made through a gazette notice dated March 18, 2026.

“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-Ftr,” read the notice.

Eid ul-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is often referred to as the “festival of breaking the fast.”

According to the Islamic traditions, the start of Eid ul-Fitr is determined by observing the sighting of the new crescent moon, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.

On the 29th day of Ramadan, people look for the moon, and if it is sighted, the following day is declared Eid. If the moon is not seen, Ramadan is completed with 30 days, and Eid is observed the day after.

In many countries, including Kenya, religious leaders or official moon-sighting committees confirm and announce the date, although some communities also rely on astronomical calculations. This process is why Eid may be celebrated on different days in different parts of the world.

The celebration usually begins with a special prayer held in mosques or open grounds, where people gather early in the morning. Before the prayer, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity meant to help the less fortunate also celebrate the day.

After prayers, families and friends come together to share meals, often starting with something sweet, and enjoy traditional foods.