Africa-Press – Kenya. The Isiolo County Government has announced a temporary waiver of park entry and vehicle fees for key wildlife reserves to allow the public to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
The county said a 100 per cent waiver will apply to visitors accessing Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve and Bisanadi National Reserve.
The waiver, which applies to citizens, residents and non-residents, will take effect from 6 am on March 20, 2026, and lapse at 6 pm on March 21, 2026.
The directive was issued pursuant to an order by the Isiolo governor and in line with powers granted under Article 210(1) of the Constitution and Section 159 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012.
County Executive Committee Member for Finance Luqman Ahmed said the exemption covers only entry and vehicle transit fees, noting that charges for specialised services such as camping, professional filming and aircraft landing will remain in force under the Isiolo County Finance Act 2025.
Visitors will still be required to present valid identification documents, including national ID cards or passports, at entry points for mandatory registration and data collection.
The county also directed that all visitors must adhere to existing conservation laws, warning that activities such as off-roading, littering and harassment of wildlife remain prohibited and punishable.
Revenue officers, gate clerks and park wardens have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the directive, with normal billing and revenue collection set to resume at 6 am on March 22, 2026.
Idd-ul-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays observed by Muslims worldwide.
It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer and reflection.
The festival is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which marks the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
As a result, the exact date may vary between countries.
On the morning of the celebration, Muslims gather for a special congregational prayer, usually held in mosques or open grounds shortly after sunrise.
On Wednesday, the government declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen made the declaration through a Gazette notice.
“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 Idd-ul-Fitr,” Murkomen said.
The notice was issued under the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110) and formally communicated to the public through Gazette Notice No. 3955.
The festival begins with a special prayer held in congregation, followed by celebrations that include sharing meals, giving to charity and spending time with family and community.
The holiday is recognised in Kenya as part of the country’s religious diversity, allowing Muslims to celebrate the occasion and conclude the month-long fast.
