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{
    "id": 1210873,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1210873/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 267,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mariam Omar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, diversity is further amplified in Article 10(4) of the Constitution, which declares that among the national values and principles of governance, which are binding on: “All persons whenever any of them makes or implements public policy decisions” is “(b) human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, non-discrimination and protection of the marginalized.” The hijab is not a matter of choice but a religious obligation, which should not be hindered. It is the instrument by which women are able to effectively participate in society as supported by Islam. School uniforms play a significant and critical role in the observance of rules in controlled environments, which one can expect to find in any national secondary school in Kenya. It is not disputed that school uniforms assist in the identification of students and gives them a sense of belonging to one community of students. It promotes discipline, unity and harmonious co-existence among students. It instills a sense of inclusivity and unity of purpose. In my view, the most important role played by standardized school uniforms is that they create uniformity and visual equality that obscures the economic disparities and religious backgrounds of the students who hail from all walks of life. But it is impractical to expect that a parent or a new student joining a school in Form One will have a meaningful opportunity to engage in a negotiation, pre-admission, of whatever exemptions, be it in uniform or other activities that they may need for religious reasons. The wearing of the hijab is genuinely and deeply considered to be a matter of exceptional, religious significance to our girls. Their desire to wear hijab is not born of skin-deep artificial or passive fashion, but rather serious concessions to obey religious requirements. They, therefore, deserve both respect and protection. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am of the opinion that schools are not enclaves that are outside the reach of the sunshine of liberty and freedom that the Constitution provides for. Students do not abandon their constitutional rights when they enter the school gate to regain them when they leave; nor can fundamental rights and freedoms be contracted away in the name and at the altar of education. Schools cannot rise against the Constitution. No one can. Students in Kenya are bearers and exercisers of our Bill of Rights and they are no less entitled to those rights by reason only of being within school gates."
}