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Hajj 2024: Somalia committee evaluates pilgrim accommodation in Makkah as travel begins

Hajj pilgrims are pictured at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on June 3, 2024. (Photo: X/Aden Duale)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Monday, June 3, 2024

The Hajj Committee, established in October 2023 with nine members, is responsible for managing travel and logistics for pilgrims.

The Hajj Committee from Somalia's Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs met officials in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to review the accommodation of about 11,000 Somali pilgrims expected to undertake the religious journey this year.

The Hajj Committee, established in October 2023 with nine members, is responsible for managing travel and logistics for pilgrims.

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Its primary responsibility is to oversee the Hajj Tasks Competition, a process that aims to enhance the quality and efficiency of services provided to Somali pilgrims.

The committee's duties include evaluating organisations' compliance with health and safety standards, ensuring proper accommodation and transportation, facilitating visa and passport processes, and upholding Islamic values. These evaluations are intended to ensure a smooth and organised Hajj experience, which is a key priority for the Somali government.

Officials led by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale see off Hajj pilgrims at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on June 3, 2024. (Photo: X/Aden Duale)

Despite these efforts, however, the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage for Somali citizens remains high.

The ministry set the 2024 fee at $4,434, slightly lower than the previous year's $4,484 but significantly higher compared to neighbouring countries like Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia, where costs can be as low as $1,600.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has criticised some agencies for inflating prices and causing tension.

The Somali government has faced allegations of mismanagement in the past and the ministry has warned that it will take action against companies that overcharge Somali pilgrims.

One of the planes transporting Hajj pilgrims is pictured at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on June 3, 2024. (Photo: X/Aden Duale)

The first group of Somali pilgrims arrived in Madinah on May 16, 2024, supported by the committee, while in Kenya, the first batch left Nairobi early Monday morning for Jeddah.

A total of 300 pilgrims were seen off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Chairman Hassan Ole Nado, and Saudi Ambassador to Kenya Nassir Alfuraidy.

Their departure marked the beginning of a phased travel plan for Kenyan pilgrims, with a total of 3,300 individuals expected to participate in this year's Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

CS Aden thanked all parties for facilitating the journey.

"I extend my sincere gratitude to the Kenyan government, through the State Department of Immigration, for facilitating passport applications and issuance, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Saudi Embassy in Kenya for ensuring the timely issuance of Hajj visas," Bare wrote on his X account.