Sh168m raised for Mandera madrasa waqf project

A fundraiser to assist madrasas in Mandera County realized over Sh163 million. The event held at the weekend was in support of Eltabashi Educational Trust and will support ten Madrasas in the county. Funds raised will be channeled into a waqf (endowment) project to support the Islamic institutions.

​President William Ruto, who presided over the event held at a Nairobi hotel, reiterated the government’s pledge to education, referring to it as the bedrock of opportunity and development.

“We reaffirmed our collective commitment to education as the foundation of opportunity and progress. The more education is made accessible to our children, the more empowered, equal and prosperous we become,” said the Head of State as he applauded the Eltabashi Educational Trust’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children in Northern Kenya to access education.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the institution will provide hope for the education of hundreds of children, creating better opportunities for their lives.“At its heart, this initiative goes beyond supporting faith-based infrastructure. It also seeks to open doors of opportunity for vulnerable children across Northern Kenya to access quality education and a brighter future,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Suna MP Muhammad Junet praised the Somali community for its resilience in the business sector and the significant contribution it has made to Kenya’s economic growth. “The Somali people are hardworking people who do their businesses and generate a lot in the economy. They contribute so much to the GDP of this country,” he said.

Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan expressed gratitude to all who contributed, noting that the funds will strengthen Islamic education and community development in Mandera. “We thank Almighty Allah for enabling us to raise Sh163 million for Eltabashi Educational Trust to support ten Madarasas in Mandera County. We appreciate President Ruto for his commitment to supporting the advancement of education in our county through this program,” the governor said.

The fundraiser brought together leaders, Islamic scholars, and members of the Somali community in a show of support for education and community empowerment initiatives.

Governors Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir and Garissa Nathif Adam and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, as well as Members of Parliament from Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties, were among those present at the fundraising event.