KENYA EXPECTS 5,000 PILGRIMS FOR 2026 HAJJ AMID IMPROVED COORDINATION AND TRANSPARENCY

The Kenya Hajj Mission has announced that 5,000 Kenyans are expected to participate in the 2026/1447 Hajj pilgrimage, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The announcement was made during a media briefing in Nairobi, where officials attributed the rise in numbers to improved coordination between registered Hajj agents and pilgrims. Through their collective efforts, the necessary funds have already been raised and used to secure key locations in Mina and Arafat, as well as essential services for Kenyan pilgrims.

“This year, Hajj was seamless, thanks in part to the Saudi government’s effective management in restricting illegal pilgrims who often overcrowd the holy sites. This ensured that those who had paid in full received the services they deserved,” said Saleem Kadernani of Al-Miraj Hajj Agency. Officials noted that the early preparations are in line with new guidelines from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which emphasize better planning and enhanced services for international pilgrims.

“As the Hajj Mission, we are fully committed to meeting all requirements and deadlines as communicated by the Ministry of Hajj,” added Saleem. Earlier this month, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) released the official list of accredited Hajj agencies. This move aims to guide pilgrims and safeguard them from exploitation, as well as ensure transparency in the pilgrimage process.

“Hajj is a deeply religious obligation. Sadly, during the recent season, some accredited agents falsified documents to obtain illegal visas for foreign passport holders—violating Saudi regulations and undermining the sanctity of the pilgrimage,” said Saleem. “Additionally, some agents circulated fake videos alleging mistreatment of Kenyan pilgrims, which was both misleading and harmful.” He emphasized that such actions are not only un-Islamic—particularly given the sacredness of Mina—but also tarnish the image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ignoring the efforts made to provide a comfortable Hajj experience.

The Kenya Hajj Mission expressed confidence that this proactive and transparent approach will lead to a smoother and more organized pilgrimage for Kenyan Muslims in 2026. Hajj 2026 is expected to take place from May 25 to 30, corresponding to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447.