Somali embassy in Nairobi inaugurates new mosque sponsored by Eastleigh trader
The newly-inaugurated mosque is expected to serve embassy visitors, staff and members of the surrounding community.
The Embassy of Somalia in Nairobi officially on Sunday launched a new mosque built with funds donated by Sultan Hussein Ali, a member of the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA).
The project was facilitated by EBDA, following a request from Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.
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The inauguration ceremony was attended by EBDA members, led by Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi Yare, Somali elders, religious leaders, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, and Ambassador Jabril.
Speakers at the event commended Sultan Hussein for his generosity, emphasising that the mosque would not only serve Somalis but also benefit the wider Muslim community.
Ahmed Abdullahi Yare highlighted the role of EBDA in making the project a reality. He revealed that the decision to build the mosque came after Ambassador Jabril reached out to the association for assistance. He also praised Sultan Hussein for his consistent contributions to development projects in Eastleigh.
The new-launched Mosque at Somalia's embassy in Nairobi. Its construction was sponsored by the Eastleigh Business District Association (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)
"Sultan Hussein is a great giver. Anytime we face a challenge that requires funding, he is always among the first to contribute. He cares about the youth and businesses in Eastleigh," said the EBDA chairman.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Ambassador Jabril, stating that his approach to leadership and development was different from that of previous Somali ambassadors to Kenya.
The Kamukunji also praised Sultan Hussein for financing the construction of the mosque. He also recognised Ambassador Jabril’s role in bringing people together to make the project possible.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle speaks during the launch of the new mosque in Nairobi. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)
Ruto to visit Kamukunji
Yusuf also announced that President William Ruto would be visiting Eastleigh and the wider Kamukunji Constituency on Monday.
The President is expected to inaugurate the Kamukunji Technical and Vocational College (KTVC) in Airbase Ward before addressing the residents of Eastleigh at Seven Street.
"He will make his first visit to Kamukunji tomorrow. He will launch KTVC, which accommodates over 500 students, then he will come to greet you in Eastleigh," said the MP.
Ambassador Jabril said building the mosque was necessary as the previous prayer facility at the embassy was too small to accommodate the growing number of worshippers.
He noted that over 100 people visit the embassy daily, but the limited space prevented many from using the mosque. Recognising this challenge, he approached EBDA for assistance.
Sultan Hussein then agreed to fund the construction, and the project began in August last year.
The ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of Sultan Hussein’s family in ensuring the mosque was completed quickly.
"I want to thank his sons who were here day and night to make sure this mosque was completed in the shortest time possible," said the ambassador.
Jabril further noted that relations between Somalia and Kenya were improving, citing data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics which indicates that Somali nationals are among the top three groups of visitors to Kenya.
The newly-inaugurated mosque is expected to serve embassy visitors, staff and members of the surrounding community, providing them with a larger and more accommodating space for prayer.
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