Tanzanian Association Oslo

Muslim students free

to wear Hijab in Kenya

By Baraka Karama

Muslim pupils and students countrywide have a reason to smile following the Ministry of Education directive allowing them to wear the hijab (veil) to school.

In a circular seen by The Standard, the Education Permanent Secretary Prof Karega Mutahi instructed provincial directors of education to ensure head teachers implement the directive.Ongeri said it was unacceptable to send away students from schools because of the religious dress code.

The circular, dated July 14, 2009, is copied to all provincial directors of education, district education officers and Municipal council education officers reads in part: "It has come to my attention that some heads of schools have refused to permit Muslim girls dressed in the hijab to attend school."

The statement went on: "I wish to remind you that no child should be denied the right to education on the basis of religion. Further, I direct principals who may have expelled students on the basis of wearing the hijab to re-admit them immediately."

The Standard has established that Mutahi issued the circular after meeting Muslim leaders led by a Nominated MP at Jogoo House, recently.

During the meeting, Muslim leaders blamed various heads of institutions for barring female Muslim students from putting on the veil.

Nyanza provincial director of education Mr Geoffrey Chemongis confirmed receiving the circular and said that they would implement it immediately.

The hijab has been a subject of controversy, although it has deep religious meaning among Muslims. They regard the hijab as a divine edict meant to safeguard the chastity and modesty of women, and prevent them from being sexually harassed.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) Chairman Abdulghafur El-Busaidy welcomed the move saying it shows the Government was realising the fundamental rights of Muslims.

The Standard of Kenya.