Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen
Kenyans will observe a public holiday on Monday, March 31, 2025, as declared by Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen in a gazette notice issued on March 28.
The declaration, made under Section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, grants citizens an extended weekend to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, which marks the end of Ramadan. Idd-ul-Fitr is one of the two most significant holidays in Islam, observed during the first three days of Shawwāl, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
"IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 2 (1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Monday, the 31st March 2025, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ulFitr," the notice states.
The holiday is a global celebration for Muslims, characterized by communal gratitude, spiritual renewal, and strengthened social connections following a month of dawn-to-sunset fasting, prayer, and reflection. Celebrations include exchanging gifts, visiting the graves of loved ones, wearing new clothing, and partaking in celebratory feasts.
The public holiday will result in the closure of government offices, educational institutions, banks, and other establishments, allowing Kenyans to fully participate in the festivities. Beyond its religious importance, Idd-ul-Fitr serves as an opportunity for collective reflection on unity and empathy, fostering inclusivity within Kenya’s diverse society.