By Staff Reporter | Wajir Today | Wednesday, 11 February 2025

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has issued a nationwide warning urging Kenyan Muslims intending to perform Hajj in 2026 to apply strictly through accredited Hajj agencies, citing rising cases of unregistered operators advertising pilgrimage services.

In a notice dated February 9, 2026, SUPKEM National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado said all pilgrims must follow guidelines set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which require registration through approved agencies.

SUPKEM confirmed that Kenya has been allocated a quota of 4,500 pilgrims for the 2026/1447 Hajj season. The quota has been distributed among 14 accredited agencies, which will handle all official processing, including registration, travel arrangements and accommodation.

“The locations in both Mina and Arafat have already been secured and allocated to Kenya based on this quota,” the council said, noting that early preparations were aimed at ensuring a smooth and orderly pilgrimage.

The council expressed concern that some travel agencies are advertising Hajj packages despite lacking accreditation, warning that such practices expose pilgrims to fraud and possible denial of entry into Saudi Arabia.

SUPKEM urged prospective pilgrims to exercise due diligence before making any payments, stressing that only agencies recognised by Saudi authorities are authorised to organise Hajj.

The council advised members of the public to seek verification directly from SUPKEM or its office whenever in doubt and said a list of accredited Hajj agencies for the 2026 season has been prepared and made available.

SUPKEM said it remains committed to safeguarding pilgrims’ welfare and ensuring that Kenyans travel under arrangements that meet both Kenyan and Saudi regulatory requirements.