Kenyan pilgrims praise improved organisation of Hajj 2026
The longstanding challenges which had characterised previous Hajj seasons, received significant attention this year.
Pilgrims returning from the sacred city of Makkah after this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have praised the organisation of the annual event, describing it as one of the best-managed pilgrimages in recent years.
Many noted that longstanding challenges related to accommodation, logistics, sanitation and service delivery, which had characterised previous Hajj seasons, received significant attention this year, resulting in a smoother experience for worshippers.
Pilgrims arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa spoke of the ease and comfort they experienced during the pilgrimage, saying the improved arrangements enabled them to fulfil their religious obligations with greater convenience.
Several pilgrims observed that the enhanced organisation provided a more conducive environment for performing the sacred rites of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.
The Chairman of the Family Resource Centre, Sheikh Abullatif Abdulkarim, said there was a marked improvement in the management of the pilgrimage, noting that many of the complaints that had characterised previous years were largely absent.
“This year was much better. Of course, there were still some challenges, but overall the experience for many pilgrims was significantly better than in previous years,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Salim Kadernan of Al Miraj Agencies, who commended the organisers for the improvements made this year. “To be honest, the tents, accommodation facilities and logistical arrangements were much better compared to last year,” he said.
However, he pointed out that sanitation facilities still require improvement, noting that only 17 toilets were allocated to serve more than 3,000 pilgrims.
For Nairobi resident Asha Adan, the pilgrimage was a memorable and fulfilling experience that enabled her to perform the Hajj in an orderly manner.
“Apart from the high temperatures, the organisation was very good. I commended the organizers for the good organisation,” she said.
She nevertheless expressed concern over delays at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival, saying pilgrims were forced to wait several hours for their baggage after an exhausting journey.
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“The overall planning was good, and the travel arrangements were well coordinated. It was a great experience,” said educationist Ali Sharrif.
He also noted that the ratio of toilets to pilgrims in Mina needs to be increased to adequately cater for the large numbers attending the pilgrimage. “Overall, we thank Allah. It was a good Hajj experience and I cannot complain,” he added.
In Mombasa, Yusuf Abubakar, Executive Director of the human rights organisation Haki Africa, praised the organisation of the pilgrimage, saying it provided pilgrims with a conducive environment to fulfil their religious obligations.
“It was smoothly organised, giving pilgrims peace of mind as they undertook their religious duties,” he said shortly after arriving at Moi International Airport.
Sharing his experience, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Education Mbwarali Kame described this year’s pilgrimage as markedly different from what had been witnessed in previous years.
“For those who performed Hajj in 2026, there were no major challenges. It was a very smooth process. Perhaps the main difficulty we experienced was the high temperatures,” he said, while commending the meticulous planning of the hajj by the Saudi authorities.
Meanwhile, Mombasa-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Abu Hamzah advised returning pilgrims to remain steadfast in their faith and continue observing Islamic teachings.
He noted that while the pilgrimage offers spiritual renewal and forgiveness of sins, its true value lies in maintaining acts of worship and righteous conduct after returning home.
Apart from the high temperatures, hundreds of Kenyan pilgrims sought medical attention during the pilgrimage, largely due to flu-related illnesses brought about by dusty conditions and extreme weather.
According to Supkem Deputy National Chairman Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy the improvements were the result of close cooperation between Hajj administrators, service providers and Saudi authorities."There has been considerable progress this year. This is due to the efforts of those managing the pilgrimage, the service providers, the ministry and the government. The Saudi government has made every effort to improve the Hajj experience for pilgrims from around the world," he said.
