SUPKEM Announces Protocols for 2024 Hajj Season
Nairobi – The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), represented by its National Chairman, Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado, held a media conference on Sunday to address preparations and protocols for the upcoming Hajj season in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Mr. Ole Naado said new protocols have been set by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj season.
Unlike previous years, the 2024 Hajj season started immediately after the conclusion of the 2023 Hajj, and it aims to enhance the efficiency of the pilgrimage process worldwide.
The Kenyan quarter for the number of pilgrims who can visit Mecca has been raised to 10,000 persons, up from 6,000, signifying an increase of 4,000 pilgrims.
Despite the expanded quota, the SUPKEM, in collaboration with Hajj agents, has decided to limit the number of pilgrims to 4,500 due to economic challenges faced by potential pilgrims.
“Economic hardships, coupled with the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against hard currencies like the US Dollar, have made financing Hajj requirements more challenging for Kenyan citizens”, said Ole Naado.
He outlined that out of the 77 Hajj agents who facilitated pilgrimages in 2023, only 50 agents have been vetted and approved to participate in the 2024 Hajj.
“The stringent new protocols introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs necessitated this reduction,” said the chairman.
SUPKEM is required to pay 20% of the Hajj costs for the 4,500 pilgrims by October 17, 2023, to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs. This amount, approximately 1.6 million US dollars, is separate from air tickets, accommodation, meals, and other logistics.
Visa applications for the 2024 Hajj will open on March 1, 2024, and close on April 29, 2024, providing a 59-day window. The Saudi authorities have reiterated that there will be no extensions beyond this deadline.
Following the new set protocols, SUPKEM has made several recommendations for those interested in performing the Hajj in 2024.
The body has called on the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of the National Government, through the Directorate of Immigration Services to prioritize the processing and issuance of passports for Kenyan applicants intending to perform the Hajj in 2024.
Pilgrims have been urged to work exclusively with registered and approved Hajj agents for the 2024 Hajj.
“The use of unauthorized brokers and middlemen is strongly discouraged to ensure the safety of funds paid for the pilgrimage,” the council said.
All Kenyan pilgrims have been asked to start preparing their travel documents and ensure timely payment of the appropriate fees for Hajj costs to authorized agents.
The agency emphasized that SUPKEM and the Kenya Hajj Mission will not be responsible for funds paid to unauthorized agents.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, through the Kenya Hajj Mission is tasked with facilitating a smooth and efficient Hajj pilgrimage experience for Kenyan Muslims in 2024 while adhering to the new protocols set by the Saudi authorities.