Muslim leaders demand hijab recognition in schools
The meeting comes amid growing concern among Muslim communities over the prohibition of hijabs in several schools within the county.
Muslim leaders have called for the recognition of the hijab as a religious obligation for Muslim female students in schools.
The position was articulated during a consultative meeting organized by the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) in Marsabit. The two-day dialogue brought together Christian and Muslim leaders to deliberate on issues surrounding the hijab, while also addressing broader themes of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and religious harmony.
The meeting comes amid growing concern among Muslim communities over the prohibition of hijabs in several schools within the county.
Participants included representatives from the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the National Muslims Leadership Forum (NAMLEF), leaders from Christian denominations and local education officials.
Chaired by SUPKEM Secretary-General Abdullah Salat, the leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect, with Muslim representatives urging schools to formally recognize the hijab as a religious requirement.
The forum provided a platform for open and constructive engagement between the two faith communities on matters of shared concern.
Stakeholders agreed to continue consultations, with a final resolution expected on May 11, 2026.
Last month, Muslim parents of St Theresa’s Girls Primary and Junior School staged a peaceful protest demanding that their daughters be permitted to wear the hijab as part of the official school uniform.
The parents called on the school administration to end its policy on banning hijab, an issue they say has remained unresolved for more than five years.