Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu today directed schools to cease compelling students to attend church services if they do not adhere to that religion, in response to a query from Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali during a parliamentary session.
Ali had raised concerns about Muslim students at Daystar University being required to attend chapel services, which contradicts Article 32 of the Constitution.
In correspondence following Ali’s inquiry, the Ministry of Education communicated with Daystar University. The university defended its stance, asserting that students are aware upon enrollment that it is a Christian institution with specific values.
Students agree to abide by these values, including participation in spiritual practices, upon signing the code of conduct. Moreover, the university’s policy mandates attendance at 75% of chapel services per semester.
CS Machogu expressed reservations about the university’s policy, citing its imposition on students of different faiths, which infringes upon the freedom of religion enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution.
Consequently, the Ministry instructed the principal secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research and the Commission for University Education to scrutinize the university’s policies and practices and ensure compliance with national regulations.
Machogu referenced a previous court ruling that explicitly prohibits schools from compelling students to engage in religious activities not aligned with their beliefs.
