House committee begins probe into ‘religious discrimination’ in public schools

NAIROBI, KENYA: A committee of the National Assembly has begun a probe into alleged incidences of religious discrimination in public schools across the country in order to address the issue.

The Education Committee led by Sabina Chege (Muranga County) has invited submissions from Kenyans including parents and students of any religious group who have allegedly faced any form of discrimination in public schools.

The probe was prompted by a petition by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sharriff who sought the National Assembly to investigate the issue after a recent incident at Bura Girls High school in which some students claimed to have been suspended for not attending church services even though they are not Christians.

 “I’m glad that most members of parliament have agreed that our public schools need to be tolerant of every religion as per our constitution and the current Basic Education Act. Punitive actions shall be taken on individuals breaking the law and violating the constitution,” he said.

He added:  “As MPs from all faiths, we have agreed to collect submissions and aggrieved cases for necessary action. We hope this matter can be resolved so that all students in public schools can access education without being discriminated against on religious and other grounds.”

Once the committee probes the issue, its report will be tabled before the house for debate by all MPs and further action taken.

The Committee announced that submissions can be made to Nominated MP Zuleikha Hassan through her assistant Ms.Asia Suleiman on 0713630910 or email [email protected].