Muslim and Christian faith leaders in Marsabit County have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that permits Muslim students to wear the hijab in public schools sponsored by religious organisations. This agreement ends a long-standing dispute affecting schools in the region and sets a framework for its implementation through school management bodies.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), led by Sheikh Abdullahi Salat—who is also the Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM)—facilitated the dialogue that led to this consensus.
Key Objectives of the Agreement
- Uphold religious freedom for learners
- Protect the rights of students in religious-sponsored schools
- Strengthen peaceful coexistence among diverse communities in Marsabit
- Provide clear guidelines for school Boards of Management on hijab accommodation
- Encourage ongoing engagement between Muslim and Christian faith groups
The MoU was endorsed after extensive consultations involving various faith leaders, including Bishop John Warari from IRCK, Bishop John Kihara representing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Qambicha of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Discussions provided an open platform for mutual understanding, emphasizing respect for religious freedom and collaboration to resolve concerns related to the hijab without compromising the rights and beliefs of all learners.
Impact and Expectations
SUPKEM highlighted that the agreement signifies a shared commitment to dialogue over confrontation, aiming to enhance social cohesion and national unity within Marsabit County.
Faith leaders expressed optimism that this understanding will foster stronger cooperation between religious communities and ensure that students can exercise their constitutional rights in a respectful educational environment.
