The government has officially declared Friday, June 6, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha, one of the most significant religious festivals observed by Muslims worldwide.
In a special gazette notice issued on Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the public holiday in accordance with the Public Holidays Act, granting the Muslim faithful an opportunity to celebrate the annual festival of sacrifice.
“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,” the gazette notice read in part.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was prepared to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of devotion to Allah.
According to Islamic belief, Allah intervened by providing a ram for the sacrifice instead.
Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the holiday follows the conclusion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
In Kenya and other parts of the world, the festival is marked with prayers, charitable acts, and animal sacrifices known as Qurbani symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
The meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate, reinforcing the values of generosity, compassion, and unity.
The sacrificial animals typically sheep, goats, cows, or camels must meet specific Islamic guidelines in terms of health and age, and must be slaughtered in a halal manner.
A smaller animal like a goat represents one share of Qurbani, while a larger animal like a cow can be shared among seven individuals or families.
This year’s Eid-ul-Adha comes just months after Eid-ul-Fitr, which marked the end of Ramadan and was celebrated on Monday, March 31, 2025.
As Kenyans prepare for the long weekend, authorities have urged the public to celebrate responsibly and continue observing peaceful coexistence during this sacred period.
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