The Atheists in Kenya Society has called on President William Ruto’s government to include atheism in the National School Curriculum, a move that has raised debate in Kenya’s education sector.
This follows President Ruto’s Madaraka Day announcement in Wajir on June 1, 2026, where he directed the Ministry of Education to begin integrating Madrasa and Duksi learning into the formal education system.
Speaking during the Madaraka celebrations, President William Ruto said the move aims to expand access to education, especially in marginalized regions.
“Today I direct the Cabinet Secretary for Education to engage all relevant stakeholders and take the necessary measures under the Basic Education Act, to consult widely and recommend appropriate measures for the formal integration of the same,” Ruto said
Ruto added that the policy would ensure that “every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has a recognized pathway into learning, skills and opportunity.”
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Atheists Demand Inclusion of atheism
In a press statement released the same day, 1st June, the president of the Atheists in Kenya Society, Harrison Mumia, expressed concern over the expansion of religious instruction without including non-religious perspectives.
Mumia argued that Kenya is diverse and education should reflect all belief systems, including those without religion.
“We therefore demand that atheism be incorporated into the national education curriculum alongside Madrassa and Duksi as directed by the President. Learners should be exposed to a broad range of perspectives,” Mumia said.
Atheists in Kenya Society said that including atheism would promote critical thinking and allow learners to make informed decisions about religion and belief.
Moreover, the Atheists in Kenya Society argues that true inclusivity must also extend to non-religious citizen.
Religious Studies in Kenyan Schools
Religion is part of Kenya’s education system through examinable subjects offered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
These are the subjects the students in both Primary and Secondary school can choose from:
- Christian Religious Education (CRE)
- Islamic Religious Education (IRE)
- Hindu Religious Education (HRE)
These subjects are taught and examined at the national level, including the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
For example, CRE is an optional subject in secondary school and is tested in KCSE exams to assess learners’ understanding of Christian teachings and moral values, as well as IRE and HRE.
However, currently, there is no equivalent subject focusing on secular or non-religious beliefs.
Atheism in Kenya
Atheism is defined as the lack of belief in God or gods, and in Kenya, it is represented by the Atheists in Kenya Society.
The society was founded on February 17, 2016, with the aim of safeguarding the rights of atheists, promoting social inclusion, and empowering non-religious individuals through advocacy, education, and community development.
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Atheists in Kenya Society advocates for the separation of religion and the state, recognition of non-religious citizens, and freedom of belief and expression
Although it is legally recognized, atheism remains a minority position in a largely religious country.
According to the Kenya Atheists’ data, Atheists in Kenya are around 800,000, compared to Christians who are estimated to be 16 million and Muslims who are around 6 million.
What the 2010 Constitution Says
The Kenya’s Constitution provides protections on matters of religion and belief.
Article 32 of the 2010 Constitution states that, “Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.”
The Constitution further guarantees that no one should be discriminated against or forced to act against their beliefs.
The Constitution also establishes that Kenya has no state religion and must remain neutral in matters of belief.
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