Islamic giving
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) in Kenya
Zakat al-Fitr, also called Fitrana, is a small charity every Muslim who has enough food pays at the end of Ramadan. It is paid for each person, before the Eid prayer.
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) is a charity paid by every Muslim who has food beyond their needs, for themselves and those they support. The amount is one saa’ of staple food per person, about 2.5 to 3 kg. It is paid before the Eid prayer so poor families can enjoy Eid. Ramadan 2027 is expected to end around 9 or 10 March.
What is Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)?
Zakat al-Fitr means “the charity of breaking the fast”. In many places it is called Fitrana. It is a fixed charity that is paid once a year, at the end of Ramadan.
It has two purposes. It cleans the fasting person from small mistakes made during Ramadan. And it makes sure that poor people have food on the day of Eid. It is different from the main Zakat on wealth, which is 2.5% of savings.
Who must pay Fitrana?
Every Muslim who has more food than they need for themselves and their family for the day and night of Eid must pay it. You do not need to own the nisab. It is meant to be paid by almost everyone.
- Adults pay for themselves.
- The head of the household pays for the people they support, including children.
- You pay it even if you did not fast, for example because of illness, old age or travel.
- A person who has no extra food and is in need can receive Fitrana instead.
Scholars have different views on small details, such as a baby born on the last day of Ramadan. Ask your local scholar if you are unsure.
How much is Fitrana in Kenya?
The amount is one saa’ of staple food for each person. A saa’ is an old measure of volume. In weight it is about 2.5 to 3 kg, depending on the food.
Many organisations and mosques in Kenya announce a cash amount in shillings each year, based on the cost of this food. This changes every year with the market price, so check the amount announced for this year by your mosque or by Islamic Relief Kenya before you pay.
Pay for each person in your household. For a family of five, you pay for five people.
Can I pay Fitrana in cash or must it be food?
Scholars have two views. The first view says to give food, as in the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The second view says that giving the cash value is fine. Cash is often easier for poor families because they can buy what they need.
Both views are held by respected scholars. Follow your local scholar or the school of thought you normally follow. Here are examples of staple foods.
| Food | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rice | Common staple in Kenya, widely used for Fitrana |
| Wheat flour or maize flour (unga) | Staple foods in Kenyan homes |
| Dates | A traditional food used from the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) |
| Other local staples | Beans, millet or sorghum may be used where they are the main food |
When should I pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Pay Fitrana before the Eid prayer. If you pay after the prayer, it is only counted as ordinary Sadaqah.
| When | Rule |
|---|---|
| Best time | After Fajr on the morning of Eid, but before the Eid prayer |
| Allowed by many scholars | In the last days of Ramadan, so it reaches families before Eid |
| Early payment | Some scholars allow a day or two before Eid; some allow from the start of Ramadan |
| After the Eid prayer | It is then counted as ordinary Sadaqah, so make up for it quickly if you forgot |
If you give through a charity, pay early. The charity needs time to buy food or deliver money to families before Eid.
Who can receive Fitrana?
Fitrana goes mainly to the poor and the needy, the first two groups of Zakat recipients. The aim is that they have food and can join Eid happily.
You cannot give it to your own parents or children. You can give to other poor relatives and neighbours. See Who can receive Zakat? for the full list.
When will Fitrana be due in 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February. Eid al-Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 March or Wednesday 10 March 2027, depending on the moon. Pay before the Eid prayer on that day.
See When is Ramadan 2027 in Kenya? for all the dates.
How can I give Fitrana through Islamic Relief Kenya?
Check the Islamic Relief Kenya donation page for the current Fitrana option and amount. You can pay by card or M-Pesa.
You can also give your Zakat on wealth and Sadaqah there, or use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the right fund name as the account. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).
Frequently asked questions
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
Zakat al-Fitr, also called Fitrana, is a charity paid at the end of Ramadan by every Muslim who has enough food. It purifies the fast and helps poor people to have food on the day of Eid.
How much is Fitrana per person?
Fitrana is one saa’ of staple food per person, which is about 2.5 to 3 kg depending on the food. The cash amount in shillings is announced every year by mosques and charities, so check the current figure.
Who must pay Fitrana?
Every Muslim who has food beyond what they need for the day and night of Eid. The head of the household pays for dependents, including children. You pay it even if you did not fast for a valid reason.
When must I pay Zakat al-Fitr?
Pay it before the Eid prayer. Many scholars allow paying in the last days of Ramadan so it reaches families in time. If you pay after the Eid prayer, it counts as ordinary Sadaqah.
Can I pay Fitrana in money instead of food?
Scholars differ. Some say it must be food, and others allow its cash value. Cash helps poor families buy what they need. Follow your local scholar or your usual school of thought.
Is Fitrana the same as Zakat?
No. Fitrana is a small charity per person paid at the end of Ramadan. Zakat on wealth is 2.5% of savings above the nisab, paid once a year. Both are obligatory, but they are different.
Do I pay Fitrana for my children?
Yes. The head of the household pays Fitrana for children and others they support. Each person counts as one portion, so a family of five pays for five people.
Who can I give Fitrana to?
Mainly to the poor and the needy, so they can have food on Eid. You cannot give it to your parents or children, but you can give it to other poor relatives and neighbours.
What if I forgot to pay Fitrana before Eid prayer?
Pay it as soon as you remember. It will count as ordinary Sadaqah, and you should ask Allah for forgiveness for the delay. Ask your local scholar if you want more guidance.
Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
Turn knowledge into giving
Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.