US Embassy , Nairobi/ FILEThe United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced that it will remain closed on Wednesday, May 27, in observance of Eid-ul-Adha.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the embassy said normal operations would resume on Thursday, May 28.
“The US Embassy will be closed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in observance of Eid-ul-Adha. We will resume normal operations on Thursday, May 28, 2026,” the embassy said.
The announcement comes after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen declared Wednesday a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Kenya.
In a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated May 25, Murkomen said the holiday had been declared under powers granted by the Public Holidays Act.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 3(1) of the Public Holidays Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares that Wednesday, the 27th May, shall be a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Adha,” Murkomen said.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is among the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through prayers, charity and family gatherings.
The celebration commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided as a substitute.
The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Muslims traditionally mark the day with special prayers held in mosques and open grounds before sharing meals with family, neighbours and the needy.
Animals such as goats, sheep, cows and camels are also slaughtered during the celebrations, with the meat distributed as part of charitable giving.
In Kenya, Eid-ul-Adha is recognised as a public holiday, allowing Muslim faithful time to observe prayers and celebrate with their families and communities.
