Muslim-sponsored primary and secondaryschools in the Western region offering Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and Arabic language are experiencing a shortage of teachers, the Muslim Education Secretariat for Western Province (MESWEP) has revealed. In response, MESWEP has initiated efforts to push for affirmative action in the recruitment and promotion of IRE and Arabic teachers by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). Last Thursday, MESWEP leadership, alongside heads of Muslim education institutions, held discussions with education officers at Kakamega Muslim Primary School. The meeting brought together heads from 33 primary and 17 secondary schools in the region to address the challenges faced by Muslim students and advocate for government intervention. Led by Coordinator Dr. Hassan Ngeri, MESWEP presented a petition to the Ministry of Education, highlighting concerns that have long been overlooked by policymakers. Their recommendations covered issues such as school management, academic performance, enrolment, preparedness for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) Grade 9 transition, and the shortage of IRE and Arabic teachers. Dr. Ngeri urged the government and TSC to resolve the staffing crisis by deploying trained Muslim teachers who specialize in IRE and Arabic. He emphasized that the shortage has forced many schools to drop these subjects, underscoring the need for an affirmative action policy to address the issue. The MESWEP coordinator further proposed that IRE and Arabic be made compulsory in all Muslim-founded schools and advocated for the appointment of qualified Muslim teachers as head teachers and principals in such institutions. Regarding the wearing of hijab, MESWEP, an affiliate of the Muslim Education Council (MEC), called for its mandatory inclusion for Muslim learners and optional status for non-Muslims."We have had very many complaints from schools that our Muslim girls are not allowed to wear hijab, despite the Ministry of Education issuing a circular permitting it. Some schools remain adamant, forcing some girls to drop out because they cannot go out without hijab," Dr. Ngeri stated. Kakamega County Education Director Hellen Nyang’au, who addressed the meeting, pledged to address the concerns raised and ensure the rights of Muslim students are upheld. "The Education Act recognizes the participation of Muslims in the development of education, and we will ensure that their concerns are addressed," she affirmed. She added that the government acknowledges the contributions of the Muslim community to education and is committed to working with them to improve the sector. Nyang’au also stressed the importance of Muslim parents encouraging their children to pursue teaching careers, particularly in IRE, to bridge the teacher shortage. While commending the integrity of Muslim school management, she raised concerns about stalled projects in some schools and urged heads of institutions to uphold transparency and accountability. "Muslim parents and community leaders must actively participate in the affairs of their schools to ensure children receive quality education. Let us come out strongly to propel Muslim schools to become leading educational institutions and academic giants," she said. Regional Education Director’s representative Wycliffe Omotto praised MESWEP for organizing the first-of-its-kind meeting among Muslim school heads, noting its potential to enhance academic performance. However, he expressed concerns over the declining performance in IRE and called for collective efforts to improve results. Omotto reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with education stakeholders and school sponsors to uplift the standards of education in the region.