Muslim learners in public religious-sponsored schools in Marsabit County will now be allowed to wear the hijab following the signing of a landmark interfaith agreement aimed at safeguarding religious freedom while promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), facilitated by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), was brokered under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, Chairman of the council and Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
The agreement was endorsed by Muslim and Christian faith leaders after consultations aimed at resolving longstanding concerns over the wearing of the hijab in public schools sponsored by religious organizations.
The MoU establishes a mutually agreed framework that accommodates Muslim learners’ right to wear the hijab while respecting the identity and values of religious-sponsored institutions.
The agreement provides clear guidelines for implementing the accommodation through individual school Boards of Management, which will oversee compliance in accordance with the agreed framework.
Faith leaders described the accord as a significant milestone in strengthening interfaith dialogue and protecting the constitutional rights of learners while fostering mutual respect among different religious communities.
They said the agreement seeks to prevent future disputes by promoting consultation, understanding, and cooperation between education stakeholders, religious institutions, parents, and local communities.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya welcomed the breakthrough, saying it demonstrates the power of dialogue in addressing sensitive issues affecting education and religious freedom.
Leaders expressed hope that the Marsabit agreement would serve as a model for resolving similar issues in other parts of the country through peaceful engagement and consensus-building rather than confrontation.
The MoU is aimed at enhancing social cohesion, reinforce interfaith harmony, and ensure that all learners can access education without discrimination based on their religious beliefs.
