The government has declared July 7 the 2016 public Eid-ul-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.
In a gezette notice released to the general public, Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said Thursday will be a public holiday to allow Muslims across the country celebrate their yearly event.
“It is notified for general information that Thursday, July 7, 2016 will be observed as a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Fitr Day,” said Mr Nkaissery.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a three-day celebration which comes in the first three days of the month of Shawal. Shawal is the tenth month and follows Ramadhan in the Islamic calendar.
On Friday, thousands of Muslim faithfuls turned up at various worshiping centers in Mombasa County where special last Friday Ramadhan prayers were conducted.
A section of Imams have appealed to Muslim faithfuls to make use of the opportunity to preach forgiveness and assist the less fortunate in the society.
Sightings of the moon are used to determine the start and end date of Ramadhan during which Muslims are required to practice charity in addition to abstinence.