Our Ref: PR/AF/027/2021 Date: 4th October 2021
On 10th September 2021, a delegation from Africa Federation Secretariat comprising of, the Honorary Treasurer Alhaj Zainul Chandoo, Housing Development Board Chairman Alhaj Akil Hirji and Chief Operations Officer, Br. Hasnain Sherally made a visit to Mombasa. Regrettably, due to the Coronavirus which had spread in many parts of Kenya and in other neighboring countries, normal visits to our Jamaats and Institutions were curtailed, this visit was timely to ensure the properties of Africa Federation were assessed and uplifted with the guidance of the Housing Board Chairman and the Managing Trustee.
The Delegation was welcomed by the Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat Alhaj Dr Mohamed Jaffer and the Hon. Secretary Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa at Mombasa Jamaat. Likewise, at Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya whose head office is in old town of Mombasa, the delegation was received by Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji and some Board Members and Trustees of Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya.
Discussions on several key topics of common interest of AFED and Jamaat were discussed during the meeting with the Jamaat officials, this was an opportunity to capture the wisdom from the engagements to implement in our future endeavors with the Jamaat. The Jamaat explained on some great efforts they made with the support of AFED in curbing the transmission of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) working hand in hand with the Government of Kenya to ensure that the community were safeguarded while complying strictly with the safety regulations. The pandemic also caused some economic hardships to our Community which was also discussed during the meeting. This challenge is synonymous with several other Jamaats under AFED.
During the meeting, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer briefed the delegation on the current development of the Jaffery Islamic Centre (JIC) Sports Club House which will cater for sports such as netball, table tennis, badminton and many more indoor activities, and the completed housing structure in the same compound (pictured below) which comprises of 80 flats and prospects on future development, they are also developing a large sports ground that will cater for cricket and soccer.
The JIC Twin Tower Residential Building which was completed in August 2018 has been developed specifically to accommodate our Community members who needed reasonable, safe and better quality accommodation for their families and for their future housing needs. The Buildings has 80 flats in total; these are for residential of our Community members. There is also a Musafirkhana for visitors, and a Bewakhana which was donated by Marhum Alhaj Dr. Naushad Merali of Nairobi, Kenya for the benefit of his late mother Marhuma Mrs. Leilabai Merali.
Meeting AFED Trustee
The Delegation had a constructive engagement with AFED Trustee in Kenya, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid, who has been working closely with AFED Secretariat in securing the interests of the Trustees of Africa Federation and their properties in Mombasa. The discussion centered on the current situation for the portfolio in Mombasa in particular and the sustainability for the future as well as improvements of the properties standards to suit the current market to generate a sustainable income for AFED.
The meeting with the Trustee and team ended with engagement leading to swift execution for the upliftment plan of the current properties as well as looking into further investment options in Kenya.
It was observed from various factors of economics and long-term investments, that Kenyan market is still strong for sustainable investments.
AFED Delegation meets Bilal Muslim Mission Kenya
The Delegation had the opportunity to meet with the Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Chairman and Board Members whose efforts have made a large impact in the eastern coast of Kenya, having put great efforts to bring about a sustainable and dedicated community of the local Shia brethren. The Bilal officials provided a brief outline of the various activities being carried out by BMMK in Mombasa currently with a plan to expand its activities in other parts of Kenya.
The aim besides carrying out the Tabligh activities is to support the local Shia Community in becoming self-reliant economically for a dignified life keeping at the forefront the religion of Islam and the Madhab of Ahlul Bayt (AS) with a focus of maintaining strong base of our religion and family values. Several projects being undertaken by BMMK including those supported by some Institutions, Donors and AFED were discussed.
BMMK explained on the current activities of Mubaligheen and Tabligh efforts in Kenya, the need for expansion in further regions of Kenya, establishing a hub of Tabligh and a nerve centre to serve the people of Kenya.
It was pleasing to observe that BMMK has a great vision of Sustainability in Kenya, and the same model can be learnt from and applied to other countries in Africa.
The delegation also visited AFED properties which are in dire need of refurbishments and upgrading to bring them to a good standard required for generating better and sustainable income, including the Warehouses whose income is used for External Tabligh activities.
Snapshots from the Visit in Mombasa.
We wish to thank Mombasa Jamaat officials, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya officials, the Secretariat staff of Mombasa Jamaat and Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa AFED Housing Board member, for their support and cooperation throughout this period, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Our sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and for the wonderful hospitality accorded to the AFED delegation in Mombasa.
Our prayers to all those who are suffering due to the Covid-19 and due to other economic hardships caused by this pandemic. We pray for the safety and well-being of all our community members in Africa and in all parts of the world.
SECRETARIAT