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{
    "id": 1380542,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1380542/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 366,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ezekiel Machogu",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Education",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13458,
        "legal_name": "Ezekiel Machogu Ombaki",
        "slug": "ezekiel-machogu-ombaki"
    },
    "content": "When I received the Question from this House last week on Friday, I sought a response from Daystar University on the issues raised by the Member. Vide a letter dated 26th February 2024, the University provided its response to the issues raised. I have provided a copy herewith as annex five. On the issue of compelling Muslim students to attend the Chapel of Daystar University, they argued that all the students are admitted with full knowledge that it is a Christian institution with its own philosophy, ethos and core values, as indicated in that letter. They indicated that upon admission, students sign a code of conduct by which they agree to abide by the Christian values and commitment to participate in the University’s spiritual disciplines. They also indicated that their students are required, by policy, to attend, at least, 75 per cent of all scheduled Chapel services in any given semester. However, they denied that release of marks is conditional on attending the chapel services. On the alleged promotion of LGBTQ+, the University indicated that it is guided by biblical principles and it does not condone such practices. As a Ministry, we noted, with concern, the fact that the University’s policy requires students, including those who are not Christians, to attend church service. This is potentially a violation of the Constitution on the freedom of religion and belief under Article 32 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. As the Ministry of Education and Government, we will not condone such policies. In this regard, I have directed the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, and the Commission for University Education (CUE), to immediately undertake an audit of the Daystar University’s policies and practices, and ensure that corrective action is taken to comply with the laws of the land. Our universities and all institutions of learning have to be safe spaces for the protection of everyone’s rights and freedoms. A copy of my letter directing as such is given as annex six. We have also annexed another copy of the directive from the Ministry to all the schools in our basic level institutions on this matter. The High Court pronounced itself on it. The ruling and judgment of the court were very clear on this matter. I will present the outcome of the audit process and corrective action taken in 14 days’ time. As far as we have given Daystar University the Charter, there are areas where they have to comply because this forms part of the supreme law of the land. Thank you, Hon. Speaker. I submit."
}