CRA Commissioner urges Muslims to fix school infrastructures

A Commissioner at the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Hadija Juma Nganyi has challenged Muslim leaders and community members to come out and support the promotion and growth of education in their institutions of learning.

Commissioner Hadija observed that infrastructure directly influences learning outcomes, the challenges schools face due to poor facilities and the support from Muslims and its leadership is a critical element in driving the growth and improvement of education standards in Muslim-owned educational institutions.

Speaking on Sunday during events to mark World Hijab Day at Khungoyokosi Muslim primary school, in Kakamega County, Hadija expressed concerns over the poor state of infrastructure in many Muslim schools in Western region which she said, contributes to dismal performance in national examinations.

Hadija lamented that several Muslim-owned and sponsored schools within the region were experiencing challenges due to lack of basic infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, libraries and sanitation facilities.

She added that these deficiencies create an unhealthy and unsafe learning environment, making it difficult for students to concentrate and learn effectively.

In an increasingly digital world, Hadija noted access to technology is crucial for a modern education and said most Muslim schools in underserved areas lack computers, internet access, and other digital tools, putting students at a significant disadvantage in acquiring necessary skills for the future.

The CRA Commissioner emphasised that it was imperative for Muslims and their leaders to join hands in uplifting the academic standards in their schools through the provision of the needed support to improve on existing infrastructures to ensure their children acquire quality education for progress.

For this to be achieved, Hadija said there should be close and cordial working relationship between the school, parents, sponsors and members of the community with regard to construction, utilization and maintenance of the school buildings.

She pointed out funds that were being channeled into the construction of mosques that are more than enough with some lacking worshippers could be shifted into setting up infrastructure in schools and establish other projects such national Muslim hospital.

''Other communities and faith have come out strongly to support their institutions which have propelled them to be among the leading education institutions and academic giants in the region and the country at large. We need to borrow a leaf from them and fully support our own institutions as this will ultimately and greatly benefit the Muslim community,'' she added.

Hadija urged Muslims and education stakeholders to come up with an educational plan and set up more Muslim owned and sponsored schools to cater for the educational needs of Muslim children. “We need to build schools and ensure our children receive both Islamic and contemporary education to nurture professionals who will contribute to uplift the standards of living and development of the Muslim Ummah,” she said.