“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 Eid-ul-Fitr,” stated Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
This announcement comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a significant three-day Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. Major markets in Mombasa and Nairobi are already experiencing a surge in festive shopping activity as communities gear up for the celebrations.
In a related development, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary pause in hostilities during Eid al-Fitr, a gesture welcomed by many. The pause, which will last for five days, is set to begin at midnight on Thursday and end at midnight on Tuesday.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar remarked, “Pakistan offers this gesture in good faith and in keeping with the Islamic norms.” This truce comes amid ongoing tensions, as the two neighboring countries have faced their worst fighting in years following a Taliban operation against the Pakistani military.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the United Nations reporting 143 deaths in a recent incident at the Omar Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. The Durand Line, which separates Pakistan and Afghanistan, spans 2,640 kilometers and has been a flashpoint for repeated cross-border clashes and air strikes.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged all parties involved to prioritize peace and health during this critical time, stating, “I urge all parties to de-escalate and prioritize peace and health.”
As Eid approaches, the atmosphere in Kenya contrasts sharply with the ongoing conflicts in the region, highlighting the diverse experiences of communities celebrating this important festival.
With the public holiday declared in Kenya, citizens are expected to come together in unity and joy, reflecting the spirit of Eid al-Fitr amidst the backdrop of regional tensions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, but the pause is seen as a crucial opportunity for dialogue and peace-building.
