Cheer up Kenyans, Monday, September 12, is a public holiday, the government has announced, saying it will be observed to mark the Islamic feast of Idd-ul-Adha.
The announcement was made in the Kenya Gazette notice from Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery dated September 9, 2016, giving Kenyans a long weekend. The Idd-ul-Adha festival marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by Muslims worldwide.
This, while a benevolent show by the government, will cost businesses a whole day of earnings. Most affected will be the Nairobi Securities Exchange, where investors will miss out on billions worth of transactions. With reduced travel, public transport providers will also be affected by the move, among other retail businesses based in towns and cities.
The declaration of a holiday is in “recognition of the pivotal role played by religion in fostering cohesion and positive social order”, a statement by State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu notes:
“The Government has taken this step so as to allow all Kenyans to share in celebrating that auspicious Holy Day together with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters; on a day that celebrates sacrifice and unwavering obedience to the greater good…”
“The declaration is in line with Section 2(2) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap.110 of the Laws of Kenya), as read together with Section 3 of the Act,” the statement adds.
[crp]
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