Duale praises Immigration for speedy passport processing of 300 Hajj pilgrims
By Njeri Wambui, June 3, 2024
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has lauded the immigration department for expediating passport processing for 300 Hajj pilgrims.
In a statement on Monday, June 3, 2024, Duale indicated that the department played a critical role in ensuring that the first batch of the Muslim faithful travelled to Mecca for the Hajj Pilgrimage.
Duale also extended appreciation to the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the Saudi Embassy in Kenya for facilitating the process.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kenyan Government, through the State Department of Immigration, for facilitating passport applications and issuance, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the Saudi Embassy in Kenya for ensuring timely issuance of Hajj visas,” Duale stated.
According to Duale, the first batch departure part of a phased travel plan, with a total of 3,300 Kenyan pilgrims heading to Mecca.
Duale made the sentiments at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where he flagged off the 300 Muslim faithful heading to Mecca. He was accompanied by Prof. Hassan Ole Nado, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Nassir Alfuraidy.
In 2023, the CS Duale flagged off 227 Kenyans to the sacred event in Mecca. Duale promised the travellers of government care and support.
Visit to Hajj
Muslims converge in the holy city for several days of rituals as they try to retrace Prophet Mohammed’s last pilgrimage.
According to their faith, it is important to complete Hajj at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Muslims are known to use their Islamic lunar calendar which informs their decision on attending the sacred pilgrimage. This only takes place in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the 12th month.
The facilitation process was part of the government’s plan to support the Muslim community. On January 29, 2024, the Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA) announced the importation of duty-free dates during this year’s holy month of Ramadan. KRA made it clear that it would exempt the dates imported and cleared between March 1, 2024, to April 20, 2024.
“The dates shall be for use during the holy month of Ramadan as will be officially announced by the chief Kadhi and the government. The consignment shall be subjected to scanning for risk management. The duty-free importation of dates shall expire on April 20, 2024.” Read KRA’s memo.
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