Waa Jamia Mosque set to transform community life in Kwale

Residents of Waa in Matuga Constituency, Kwale County, are expected to benefit from enhanced religious, social, and community services following the inauguration of the newly constructed Waa Jamia Mosque.

The modern mosque, which can accommodate more than 300 worshippers, was officially opened on Monday and handed over to the Jamia Mosque Committee (JMC), Nairobi for administration and long-term oversight.

Besides providing a larger and more comfortable place of worship, the new mosque is expected to play a vital role in strengthening religious life, promoting community unity, and supporting socio-economic development initiatives in Waa and the surrounding areas

For many families in the area, the mosque addresses a longstanding need for adequate religious infrastructure. Community members now have access to a spacious venue that not only support congregational prayers, but religious learning, and social gatherings as well as serving as a community centre to foster societal development.

The project was funded by philanthropist Mohammed Rahmetulla Jaferrali, who said the mosque fulfills the vision of his late sister, Sakker Khanu, whose wish was to establish a place of worship that would serve and uplift the local community.

Speaking during the inauguration, Jamia Mosque Deputy Chairman Prof. Abdullatif Essajee noted that the committee intends to ensure the mosque remains a sustainable institution that supports the needs of the community for years to come.

"We remain committed to safeguarding the trust given to us. The committee will oversee the mosque's welfare, and other operational needs to ensure it continues serving the community effectively," he said.

Prof. Abdullatif further revealed plans to introduce programmes focused on religious education, family support, youth development, and community empowerment, aimed at improving the social and spiritual well-being of residents.

Jamia Mosque officials, Abdul Bary Hamid, Zafar Niaz, Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome and Imam Jamaludin Osman aboard the SGR train on their way to Kwale for the mosque inaugration

Speaking at the event, community leader Harry Bakari described the mosque as a significant investment in the future of Waa, saying generations of residents stand to benefit from improved access to religious and community services.

“This is more than a place of worship. It represents progress for our community and creates opportunities for people to come together, learn, and support one another,” he said.

During the event, the donor formally handed over documents to Jamia Mosque Committee (JMC), signifying the transfer of ownership of the mosque.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Jamia Mosque Committee, including Secretary General Abdulbari Hamid, Da’wah Convener Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome, Treasurer Billow Kerrow, and Imam Sheikh Jamaludin Osman, among other distinguished guests and community members.

The handover of Waa Jamia Mosque brings the number of mosques under the administration of the Jamia Mosque Committee, Nairobi, to six across the country.

Other mosques managed by the committee include Limuru Jamia Mosque in Kiambu County, Hindi Mosque in Lamu County, and the Tala, Matuu, and Kakuyuni mosques in Machakos County.