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In a landmark ruling, the Kenya Court of Appeal has issued a permanent ban on schools, including both primary and secondary institutions, from coercing students to adhere to specific religious beliefs. The ruling, delivered on today (16-May-2023), marks a significant step towards promoting religious freedom and inclusivity within the Kenyan education system.
The Court’s decision comes as a response to a case filed by Law Society of Kenya and nine learners who challenged the practice of schools imposing religious practices on students. The plaintiffs argued that such mandates infringed upon their children’s rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion as guaranteed by Kenya’s constitution.
After careful consideration of the arguments presented, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, affirming that schools should not enforce religious beliefs on students. The ban applies to all educational institutions across the country, emphasizing the principle of neutrality and respect for diversity.
