By Urban Shihemi , August 24,2025 The Kenya Hajj Mission has announced that 5,000 Kenyans are expected to participate in the 2026/ 1447 Hajj pilgrimage, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s numbers. The announcement was made during a media briefing in Nairobi, where The Kenya Hajj Mission attributed the growth to the coordinated efforts of registered Hajj agents and pilgrims who successfully raised the required funds. These resources have already been used to secure key locations in Mina and Arafat, along with essential services. “This year we experienced a seamless hajj, with the Saudi government successfully managing to restrict illegal pilgrims who often overcrowd the holy sites, ensuring that fully paid up pilgrims receive the services they deserve,” said Saleem Kadernani of Al-Miraj Hajj Agency. The early preparations, officials noted, are in compliance with new guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which emphasize improved planning and service delivery for international pilgrims. “As for the Hajj mission, we commit to adhering to all requirements and timelines as stipulated in various communications from the Ministry of Hajj,” said Saleem. Early this month the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) unveiled the official list of accredited Hajj agencies to guide Kenyan pilgrims in preparing for the sacred journey next year. The publication of accredited agencies is part of a wider strategy to protect pilgrims from exploitation and ensure transparency in pilgrimage arrangements. “Hajj is a purely religious affair. Unfortunately during the recent hajj season, some registered Hajj agents falsified documents to produce illegal visas for foreign passport holders, violating the regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Such actions go against the spirit of good faith. Additionally some agents released fake videos to misinform Kenyans, claiming that their relatives are suffering in Hajj,” said Saleem He added: “Not only are these videos un-Islamic as Mina is one of the most sacred sites in Islam, but they also cast a negative light on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, disregarding all efforts made to ensure a comfortable Hajj experience.” According to the Kenya Hajj Mission, the proactive approach will ensure that Kenyan pilgrims enjoy a smoother, well-organized experience in 2026. Hajj 2026 is expected around May 25-30, 2026, corresponding to the 8th to 13th of Dhul-Hijjah 1447.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVMc72nlRUY