By PCS
President William Ruto has commended the Dawoodi Bohra community for their contribution to Kenya’s transformation.
The President cited their efforts in the housing, healthcare, and education sectors, emphasizing the government’s desire for a strengthened and sustained partnership to advance Kenya’s ambitious plan to attain first-world status.
“Your Holiness, as we embark on the journey to take Kenya to first-world status, we seek your partnership, your support and your prayers. We are confident that with your partnership and support, and as we build synergy across the nation, we will be able to transform our nation,” he said.
He made the remarks on Friday during an official visit to the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus and a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County.
Present at the event were His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, Shahzada (Prince) Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, the rector of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Also in attendance were Cabinet Secretaries Julius Ogamba (Education) and Aden Duale (Health), Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and other leaders.
President Ruto highlighted the government’s ambitious infrastructure development plans, which include generating 10,000 megawatts of energy to power industries, constructing 30,500 km of roads—including 2,500 km of dual carriageways—building a modern airport, and transforming the health sector. “As of now, we are building 6,000 km of road,” he noted.
He urged the community, through Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus, to support Kenya’s mission to develop highly skilled human capital essential for transforming the country into a first-world economy. The President emphasized that education is central to the nation’s transformation agenda, aiming for 60 percent of learners to acquire skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to drive the country’s progress.
President Ruto also applauded the Dawoodi Bohra community for its partnership in the Affordable Housing Programme, saying: “Affordable housing is not just about houses; it’s about jobs, dignity and transforming the lives of those who live in neighbourhoods that have no water, sanitation, electricity and roads.” He also recognized the community’s hospitals for supporting Kenya’s universal health coverage programme and ensuring accessible, affordable medical care.
“The Government of Kenya welcomes the continued engagement of the Dawoodi Bohra community, not just as donors, but as partners in building a healthier, more productive, and more cohesive nation,” he said, noting that Kenya can learn from the community’s values of patience, planning, and institution-building.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi recalled the long-standing relationship between Kenya and the Dawoodi Bohra community, dating back to the 1870s, praising their contributions to the economy, unity, philanthropy, and peace.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ogamba highlighted the synergy between Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah and Kenya’s educational ambitions, while His Eminence Ezzuddin reiterated the community’s commitment to supporting the nation’s agenda on agriculture, skills development, infrastructure, employment, and dignity for all citizens.
“The entire Dawoodi Bohra community of Kenya stands ready to support this national mission,” he affirmed.
Mt Kenya Times