Kenya Partners With Dawoodi Bohra on Health and Housing

A community that's been quietly building hospitals, schools, and homes in Kenya for over a century is now joining forces with the government to accelerate the country's development dreams.

President William Ruto visited the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah campus in Nairobi this week to formalize a growing partnership with the Dawoodi Bohra community. The meeting brought together government leaders and community representatives to discuss collaboration on affordable housing, healthcare expansion, and education reform.

The Dawoodi Bohra community has deep roots in Kenya, with ties stretching back to the 1870s. Their contributions include operating hospitals that support universal healthcare access and participating in Kenya's Affordable Housing Programme, which the President described as creating not just homes but jobs and dignity for families.

Education stands at the center of the partnership. The government plans to shift 60 percent of students toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs to build the skilled workforce Kenya needs for economic transformation. The Dawoodi Bohra educational institutions, including Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, are positioned to support this ambitious goal.

Kenya is pursuing major infrastructure development including 10,000 megawatts of new energy generation, 30,500 kilometers of roads, and modern airport facilities. The country is currently constructing 6,000 kilometers of roadway as part of this vision.

Community leader Shahzada Qaidjoher Ezzuddin confirmed the Dawoodi Bohra community's commitment extends beyond education to agricultural production, skills development, infrastructure growth, and employment creation. "The entire Dawoodi Bohra community of Kenya stands ready to support this national mission," he said during the visit.

The Ripple Effect: What makes this partnership powerful is its foundation in more than a century of trust and shared commitment to Kenya's progress. The Dawoodi Bohra hospitals already make healthcare more affordable and accessible for ordinary Kenyans, while their housing projects create employment opportunities that lift entire families. By combining the community's experience in education and social services with government resources and planning, the collaboration promises to accelerate progress that benefits all Kenyans, regardless of background or faith.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi noted the community's long record of contributions to Kenya's economy, social cohesion, and philanthropy. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba emphasized that the partnership focuses on "nurturing generations that will serve Kenya and the world with knowledge, integrity, and purpose."

The government emphasized it welcomes the Dawoodi Bohra community not as donors but as full partners in building a healthier, more productive nation.