The government has officially declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a public holiday to mark the Islamic festival of Eid-ul-Adha, according to a special issue of the Kenya Gazette released on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The announcement, published under Gazette Notice No. 7317, was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, who noted that the declaration was made in exercise of powers vested in him under Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110).

In the notice, Murkomen stated that the declaration is meant to facilitate nationwide observance of the holy day, which holds deep spiritual significance in the Islamic faith as it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to divine command.

The gazette, marked as Volume CXXVII – No. 116, was issued by the authority of the Republic of Kenya and distributed through the Government Printer in Nairobi.

“NAIROBI, 4th June, 2025 GAZETTE NOTICE No. 7317 THE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ACT (Cap. 110) DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HOLIDAY. 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, 6th June, 2025, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha. Dated the 3rd June, 2025,” the gazette read.

The declaration comes just two days before the anticipated holiday, prompting a wave of reactions online as Kenyans prepare for the long weekend, with many expressing relief and gratitude for the time to spend with loved ones or observe religious rites.

Eid-ul-Adha, often referred to as the Feast of Sacrifice, is traditionally marked by prayers, the slaughtering of animals, sharing meals, and acts of charity — symbolising faith, obedience, and communal care.

The holiday, which shifts annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the two major festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide, the other being Eid-ul-Fitr.