Muslims in Kenya planning to perform the 2026 Hajj must make a $1,300 commitment payment by August 22, religious leaders and Hajj officials announced in a nationwide call to action.
The payment is a critical step to securing space and accommodation for the annual pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting between the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Kenya Hajj Mission, and registered Hajj agents.
SUPKEM National Chairperson Hassan Ole Naado confirmed that preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage have officially commenced, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia’s “first come, first served” policy.
“Failure to make the commitment payment will bring about the same logistical and accommodation problems we have experienced in the past,” said Ole Naado. “Meeting the deadline is essential to ensuring Kenyan pilgrims receive proper services and secure suitable spaces.”
Ole Naado added that the new policy introduced by Saudi authorities makes early financial commitment mandatory for space allocation in key Hajj sites, including Mina and Arafat.
He explained that delays in payments could significantly affect not only travel arrangements but also the quality of services such as accommodation, sanitation, and transportation.
Abdulrahman, Acting Chairperson of the Hajj Agents, warned that late payments could result in Kenyan pilgrims being locked out or placed in substandard accommodation. “Without early payment, it becomes very difficult to find space in Mina or Arafat, let alone in decent accommodation,” he said. “We are urging Muslims to comply with the deadline.”
Hajj Committee Chairperson Sharif Khitamy echoed the sentiments, calling for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure an improved experience in 2026. “Agents must submit payments for all the pilgrims they are facilitating before the deadline,” he said. “We are working together to make this year’s Hajj more organized and successful.”
Kenya’s 2025 pilgrimage saw a record-breaking 4,500 pilgrims, the highest in the country’s history, despite some delays in visa processing.
However, challenges such as foreign currency transfer issues, limited space, and poor sanitation in Mina and Arafat were noted.
To address these, the Kenya High Commission has recommended the adoption of the Masar Wallet for secure payments and called for improved hygiene facilities and transport arrangements in future pilgrimages.
Leaders urged early compliance to ensure a smooth and dignified Hajj experience for all Kenyan pilgrims in 2026.