Gov’t reaffirms support for construction of mosques in public institutions

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with well-wishers and stakeholders to construct mosques in government institutions across the country.

Special Programmes Principal Secretary Ismail Maalim Madey said mosques play a critical role beyond worship by contributing to social development, mentorship, education, and harmonious coexistence within society.

Speaking during the official opening of the Sharrifa Mosque at the National Youth Service (NYS) Headquarters in Nairobi on May 26, 2026, the PS noted that places of worship serve as important centres for community engagement and youth empowerment.

“Mosques serve as symbols of harmony, compassion, and mutual respect. Let us use this mosque to seek knowledge, strengthen our faith, and build a future founded on discipline and hard work,” said Madey.

He urged the NYS fraternity to make proper use of the facility by attending prayers, seeking religious knowledge, and using the mosque as a platform to foster unity, brotherhood, leadership, and service to the community.

The PS further emphasized that mosques help bring diverse communities together while promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

In his remarks, NYS Council Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Adan Mulata underscored the importance of moral values in society, describing them as the foundation of humanity and healthy social relations. “Moral values are the foundation of humanity. Without values, we have nothing as human beings,” he said.
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The Shariffa Mosque at the NYS headquarters in Nairobi

Jamia Mosque Treasurer Billow Kerrow lauded the government for upholding freedom of worship, noting that the presence of mosques, churches, and other places of worship in public institutions reflects the country’s commitment to religious freedom. “One of the things we appreciate and do not take for granted in this country is the freedom of worship. In many institutions, you will find a mosque, a church, and other places of worship,” he said.

Billow also encouraged young people to emulate the Prophets, saying many of them made significant positive contributions to society during their youth. “As a young man, Prophet Ibrahim, on whom be Allah’s peace stood firmly against idol worship before he later moved to Palestine,” he noted.

NYS Commandant General James Tembur said the mosque will serve as an important hub for spiritual nourishment, mentorship, and social cohesion among officers and young recruits within the service.

Located within the NYS Headquarters in Nairobi, the Sharrifa Mosque was constructed through the generous support of Nairobi businessman Wassim Bhut as a Sadaqah Jariyah dedicated to his late mother.

Bhut expressed hope that the mosque would serve as a centre for mentorship, education, and unity among young people while strengthening social cohesion within the community.

The mosque has a capacity of 500 worshippers and includes facilities for madrasa classes as well as a conference hall.