No student should face discrimination over Hijab, Says Education PS

Schools should not discriminate against students for practicing their faith or wearing the hijab. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said it is clear government policy that every student has the right to education without facing any form of discrimination.

“I will ensure that every child in school is protected from discrimination on religious grounds. Those who wish to wear the hijab have every right to do so,” he said last Friday in Eldoret during a fundraiser for the construction of a waqf (endowment) project for Eldoret Jamia Mosque and Tawakal Mosque.

He emphasized that schools should support students in continuing their education while freely practicing their faith, adding that their constitutional rights must be respected at all times.

His call was echoed by President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, who called on schools to respect the rights of Muslim female students to wear the hijab, stressing that no learner should be denied education because of religious attire.

He urged school administrators not to send students home for wearing hijabs, emphasizing that academic success is determined by knowledge, discipline, and character rather than school uniform policies.

“No school teacher should send a female student home because of wearing a hijab. At the end of the day, it is not the uniform that determines the success of a student, but the knowledge gained,” he said as he urged schools to prioritize education and create an environment where all students feel respected, regardless of their religious background.

The remarks come amid growing concerns among Muslims over some schools prohibiting the wearing of hijabs. Despite calls from the Muslim leadership for an end to the discriminatory practice, schools notably Catholic sponsored schools continue to abet the practice.

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At the fundraiser, Kibet also spoke against tribalism, urging Kenyans to borrow from Islamic teachings that discourage ethnic division and promote unity.

“Islam is one of the religions found across many tribes and communities in Kenya. Let us emulate this spirit by shunning tribalism and embracing one another in unity, love, and respect without discrimination,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence, while condemning divisive and tribal politics that undermine the country’s cohesion and progress.

In his remarks, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii reaffirmed that his administration values religious institutions as they play a critical role in fostering cohesion, unity, and peaceful coexistence among communities.

Eldoret Jamia Mosque is currently constructing a seven-storey commercial building whose rental income will sustainably support mosque activities and charitable programmes, including educational assistance and social welfare initiatives in the society.

The event was attended by, among others Marsabit Senator Mohammed Chute, and Eldas MP Adan Keynan.