Muslim education leaders in Kenya have welcomed the government’s move to integrate Duksi and Madrasa education into the country’s formal basic education system, describing it as a long-overdue step toward fairer access to quality education for Muslim children.
Speaking at a press conference at Jamia Multipurpose Hall in Nairobi on Friday, June 26, Muslim leaders thanked President William Ruto for directing the Ministry of Education to fast-track the integration during this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
The joint statement was read by Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome on behalf of the Muslim education councils. He said the integration of Duksi and Madrasa into the national education framework was not a new proposal, but one that has been recommended for decades through various education commissions, policy frameworks and legal instruments.
Sheikh Lethome said previous education reports, including the Ominde, Gachathi, Mackay, Kamunge, Koech and Odhiambo commissions, had recognised the need to harmonise Islamic religious education with the formal education system, particularly to improve access to learning in marginalised communities.
The Muslim leaders said the proposal is also supported by the Basic Education Act, 2013, and is in line with Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to quality basic education without discrimination.
They said many children in predominantly Muslim counties continue to face barriers to formal education, and that integrating Duksi and Madrasa into the national system would help improve enrolment, retention and recognised academic pathways while preserving Islamic religious learning.
The statement added that the move is consistent with the global education agenda, including Sustainable Development Goal 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all learners.
Muslim leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the government, religious institutions, communities and other stakeholders to promote inclusive, equitable and quality education across Kenya.
The joint statement was endorsed by representatives from several Muslim organisations, including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, the National Muslim Leaders Forum, the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, the Joint Muslim Council, the Muslim Education Council and Jamia Mosque.
