Christian and Muslim leaders in Marsabit County have reached an agreement allowing female students to wear the hijab in public schools across the county.
The deal was reached after months of dialogue and several meetings on an issue that has been contentious since 2025.
Speaking on Tuesday during the signing ceremony, leaders from SUPKEM Marsabit, Interfaith Council of Marsabit (M.I.C), the Marsabit Pastors Fellowship (MPF) and the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) said implementation will begin immediately.
Marsabit Interfaith Council Chairman who is also the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit Bishop Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara said differences had been resolved in the best interest of children.
“Religious conflict has no place in this county. The peace we have built with great effort must not be disrupted,” he said.
Anglican Bishop of Marsabit Diocese and NCCK Marsabit Chair Qampicha Daniel Wario commended the leaders for putting the welfare of children first.
“Religion should not divide Marsabit communities. It should be a bridge for unity, peace and togetherness,” he said.
NAMLEF Marsabit Chair Sheikh Ibrahim Oshe urged residents to set aside differences and uphold love, unity and mutual respect.
MPF Chair Rev. Brown Kimemia said the agreement marks a new chapter for Marsabit, noting the county is the first in Kenya to reach a joint consensus on hijab wearing for female students in public schools.
Marsabit County Education CECM Ambaro Abdullah also lauded the religious leaders for resolving the matter through dialogue. He directed all public school heads to implement the directive immediately and allow girls who wish to wear the hijab to do so.
IRCK Chair Abdullahi Salat called on Marsabit residents to continue living in peace and urged religious leaders to ensure preachers entering the county promote brotherhood and unity instead of division.
Last year, some public schools barred female students from wearing the hijab, sparking a dispute that ended up in court.
Today’s agreement is expected to end the dispute, strengthen religious harmony and protect students’ rights in Marsabit County.
