Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa enjoys a boom as month-long fasting comes to an end

Swanky shopping malls and ordinary local markets alike have been a hive of activities since Monday as thousands of Muslims faithful’s buy foodstuffs, clothes and shoes in readiness for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations scheduled for Friday and Saturday to signify the end of the month-long fasting.

The central business district around Mwembe Tayari has been packed with Muslims and other locals scrambling for goods and other such ahead of the fete.

“We are glad we managed to start the month well and now all is well as we prepare for the celebrations,” said Aisha Suleiman, a shopper.

Houses of worships have also not been forgotten in the celebrations.

Several mosques in Mombasa are being given a fresh coat of paint ahead of the Saturday celebrations.

Mombasa is prominently a Muslim town and the large Muslim community residing there are like a God send to businesses’.

Although Islam has spread throughout Kenya, the largest number of Muslims is found in the coastal region and North-Eastern region, about 10 per cent, roughly about 10 million people, of the Kenyan population are Muslims.

Animal especially goat traders are also set for a boom as millions of Muslims in a tradition that dates way back enjoy goat meat as their favourite meat delicacy during the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i, in a gazette notice on Tuesday, declared Friday a public holiday.

“In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, Friday, the June 15, 2018, shall be a public holiday in order to accord all Kenyans and persons who profess the Islamic faith the opportunity to make preparations to mark Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday, June 16, 2018,” said Mr Matiang’i in a statement.

The announcement was warmly received by not only Muslims but Christians as well who are also looking forward to the off day and end of Ramadan related celebrations.