Jamia Mosque boosts education and medical support for Muslims
The Mosque's activities extend beyond the salah and other religious programmes to include education, medical assistance, da'wah programmes, media, and community initiatives.
Social welfare support for Muslims will remain a key priority for the Jamia Mosque Committee (JMC), Chairman Sheikh Osman Warfa has said, emphasizing that assistance in education and healthcare will continue to receive increased attention as demand for support grows across the country.
Speaking during the mosque's Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, Sheikh Warfa highlighted major milestones achieved by the institution over the past year, noting that Jamia Mosque's activities extend beyond the salah (the prayer) and other religious programmes to include education, medical assistance, da'wah programmes, media outreach, and community development initiatives.
According to the chairman's report, the mosque significantly expanded its educational support programme during the 2025/2026 financial year, disbursing Sh8.4 million in bursaries and scholarships to 270 students across the country. The number of beneficiaries nearly doubled from 138 students supported during the previous period.
"JMC has disbursed directly and indirectly an estimated Sh8.4 million in the 2025/2026 period for educational bursaries supporting 270 students, up from 138 beneficiaries previously," Sheikh Warfa said.
Abdulhamid Slatch, Abdul Ghafoor and Faisal Abdul Ghafoor among JMC members at the AGM
The support programme extends beyond conventional academic studies to include sponsorship of students pursuing Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and Arabic studies. Currently, 63 students enrolled at Kibabii Teachers Training College and Kagumo Teachers Training College are receiving assistance under the initiative, which aims to address the shortage of qualified IRE teachers in Kenyan schools. An additional 16 university students are also benefiting from the programme.
The chairman revealed that the committee is engaging potential partners to establish a sustainable revolving fund that would expand educational opportunities and provide support to a wider pool of beneficiaries, including JMC staff and teachers specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Healthcare assistance remains another cornerstone of Jamia Mosque's social welfare agenda. During the reporting period, 271 patients received medical support amounting to Sh8.5 million. The assistance covered treatment for chronic, terminal and critical illnesses, including support for patients seeking specialized treatment abroad, particularly in India.
JMC Treasurer Billow Kerrow and Sheikh Muhammad Salim Badamana, the chairman of Majlis Ulamaa Kenya
Sheikh Warfa expressed gratitude to KCB Sahl Bank for contributing Sh6 million towards the medical assistance programme and appealed to more corporate organizations and well-wishers to partner with the mosque in addressing the growing healthcare needs within the Muslim community.
"Jamia Mosque strives to assist the less fortunate members of the ummah by providing financial relief to chronic, terminally ill and critical medical cases in the Muslim community," he said.
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In addition to the welfare programmes, the chairman underscored the importance of da'wah activities, describing them as the foundation upon which all of Jamia Mosque's programmes are built. To strengthen religious outreach and Islamic education, the committee has allocated Sh14 million to the Da'wah Department.
In addition, Jamia TV, formerly known as Horizon TV, will receive Sh18 million to support its operations and expand its role in disseminating Islamic teachings and community information through contemporary media platforms.
Among the mosque's ongoing da'wah initiatives is the provision of welfare support to imams and madrasa teachers serving in various parts of the country. The institution also oversees seven mosques across Kenya, providing maintenance support and catering for the welfare of religious personnel serving in those facilities.
The chairman Sheikh Osman Warfa (Left), Secretary General Abdul Bari Hamid and Vice chair Abdullatif Essajee
Other notable programmes include Islamic and Arabic language classes for new reverts to Islam as well as a sign language project being implemented in collaboration with the University of Nairobi's Department of Linguistics and Languages.
Looking ahead, Sheikh Warfa disclosed that plans to expand Jamia Mosque are at an advanced stage. The proposed expansion aims to increase the mosque's capacity and improve facilities to accommodate the growing number of worshippers attending prayers and religious events.
The need for expansion is particularly evident during the holy month of Ramadhan when the mosque is compelled to acquire additional space along Banda Street from county authorities to accommodate thousands of worshippers who overflow beyond the mosque's premises.
During the meeting, Sheikh Warfa paid tribute to the late chairman of Majlis Ulama Kenya, as well as the late Zool Nimji, a trustee of the mosque, describing both leaders as dedicated servants of the community whose contributions left a lasting impact on the institution and the wider Muslim community.
He also highlighted Jamia Mosque's continued advocacy and humanitarian support for the people of Gaza through the Voice for Palestine movement, reaffirming the institution's commitment to global humanitarian causes affecting Muslims.
Among the notable attendees at the AGM was the former vice chairman Farouk Adam.
Founded in 1925 by Maulana Shah Abdullah Shah, Jamia Mosque stands as one of the most influential Islamic institutions in East and Central Africa. The mosque recently marked its centenary, commemorating 100 years of service through a series of events celebrating its role in religious leadership, education, social welfare and community development.
