The Honourable President of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Ruto, today met with His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the leader of the worldwide Dawoodi Bohra community. Members of the community from Nairobi, Mombasa and other parts of Kenya were present, along with others from across East Africa and the rest of the world. The meeting took place at the Nairobi campus of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah (Aljamea), the community’s premier Arabic Academy. The interaction between His Excellency and His Holiness centred on learning, building character, and serving society.
Addressing the gathering, President Ruto spoke about the role communities play in strengthening the nation. “The Dawoodi Bohra community has been woven into Kenya’s social fabric for generations,” the President said. “You have lived among us. You have invested here. You have uplifted lives quietly but consistently. That is the kind of partnership every nation treasures—and Kenya does.”
During the visit, the President also interacted with members of the community, including students and educators, and observed an environment shaped by discipline and care.“When I visit institutions like Aljamea, I am reminded that education is not only about the transfer of knowledge. It is the shaping of character. It is the cultivation of values. It is about preparing citizens who serve society with integrity.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, who had also visited the academy in November 2024, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to holistic education, stating, “We seek learning environments where intellectual development grows alongside character, responsibility, and civic awareness. Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah enriches Kenya’s educational landscape through innovation, mentorship, and sustained commitment to youth development. From its architecture to its curriculum, the academy shows how tradition and modernity move forward together. It honours heritage while engaging confidently with a rapidly advancing world.”
In his address, His Holiness offered prayers for the continued development of Kenya and specifically for the betterment of education across the country. He prayed for the President, wishing that his aspirations for Kenya are realised and that his vision for its betterment bears fruit. Addressing the Dawoodi Bohra community, His Holiness instructed them to work hard, remain law-abiding, patriotic citizens, and contribute tirelessly to the growth and prosperity of this nation.
Speaking on behalf of His Holiness, his brother and senior rector of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah, His Eminence Shahzada Dr Qaidjoher Ezzuddin, reflected on the significance of the President’s visit: “We share your conviction that the future belongs to those who value production, skills development, and hard work. We see the roadmap you have laid out—focusing on infrastructure, employment, and dignity for every citizen—and the entire Dawoodi Bohra community of Kenya stands ready to support this national mission.”
Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah’s approach to education bridges tradition with modernity, preparing students to contribute responsibly to a global society in a changing world. Nearly 15 years have passed since the founding of Aljamea’s Nairobi campus. The hundreds of students from all around the world who have graduated since then have benefited from a unique vantage point; alongside their academic curriculum, they absorbed the ethos of their host nation, carrying forth a worldview enriched by the warmth and values of Kenya.
The meeting between the President and His Holiness reflected a shared belief that education lies at the heart of inclusive and lasting progress. It affirmed a relationship rooted in mutual trust, respect, and a common vision where learning uplifts individuals, strengthens communities, and helps build a peaceful and prosperous Kenya.
During the interaction, the President praised the community’s recent surgical camp in collaboration with the health authorities in Nairobi, which provided essential medical procedures at no cost to scores of underprivileged residents. He also recognised the Dawoodi Bohras' efforts in their ongoing mangrove restoration project on the coast. These efforts, he mentioned, form part of a wider environmental initiative to protect Kenya’s marine ecosystem and combat climate change.
Syedna Saifuddin is presently in Nairobi to preside over the annual oral examinations of Aljamea, where Dawoodi Bohras from the East Africa region and across the globe have also gathered in large numbers to participate in this event. The examinations are unique in that senior students respond to questions posed by the rectors and reflect on poetry and prose before His Holiness and a gathering of thousands of community members, both in Nairobi and those viewing from centres across the world.
