Kindiki declares Wednesday holiday to celebrate Idd ul-Fitr

By Antynet Ford

The Ministry of Interior has announced that Wednesday, April 10, 2024, will be a public holiday in Kenya.

In a gazette notice on Tuesday, April 9, CS Kindiki said the public holiday will be to celebrate Idd-ul-Fitr.

“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 Wednesday, the 10th of April, 2024, shall be a Public Holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr.”  The notice stated.

Idd-ul-Fitr concludes the holy month of Ramadan, which began on March 11, 2024.

Idd ul-Fitr is a time of celebration, contemplation, and appreciation for Muslims all over the world, commemorating the end of a month of fasting and spiritual growth.

Idd ul-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” starts with the sighting of a new moon. Muslims then gather in a congregation to recite the Salat al-Eid prayer.

Following the prayer, Muslims greet one another with “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) and exchange gifts and food with family and friends.

An aspect of eid ul fitr is a charitable giving known as zakat al fitr where muslims  are required to give a specific amount of money or food to those in need before the Eid prayer. This helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the festivities and have enough to celebrate