President William Ruto has urged the Dawoodi Bohra community to work closely with the government in building a skilled workforce and advancing Kenya’s ambition of becoming a first-world economy. He said education, health, housing and infrastructure remain the key pillars driving the country’s development agenda.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County. He praised the community for its strong business ethics, quiet acts of charity and long-standing role in strengthening Kenya’s social life.
Addressing His Holiness, community leaders and members, Ruto said his engagement with the Dawoodi Bohra leadership is grounded in shared values of service, humility and clear purpose. He noted that the relationship has grown over time and is rooted in trust and mutual respect.
“That engagement was brief, but its impact is lasting. It stayed with me not because of its length, but because of its depth,” Ruto said, adding that the bond had evolved into friendship, marked by Kenya awarding His Holiness the country’s highest honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart.
The President described Kenya as a nation shaped by faith, resilience and hard work, saying progress depends more on character and discipline than on words.
“Our strength has never come from institutions alone, but from communities that believe in discipline, in service and in responsibility,” he said.
He pointed to institutions such as Al Jamia as examples of how education builds values and character, not just academic knowledge.
Ruto also commended the Dawoodi Bohra community for its seamless integration into Kenyan society, saying its impact is visible in everyday life rather than figures or reports.
“What truly defines this community is how families live, how businesses operate, how young people are raised and how neighbours are treated,” he said, noting the community’s honesty in trade, commitment to education and service to all without discrimination.
President William Ruto interacting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen,Nairobi on January 16,2026.PHOTO/PCS
Turning to government reforms, the President said education remains at the heart of Kenya’s transformation efforts. He revealed that 23,000 classrooms have been constructed and 100,000 teachers employed in the past three years, alongside a Sh200 billion increase in education funding.
He added that 53 per cent of learners recently joined the STEM pathway, with the government aiming to raise the figure to 60 per cent to support the growth of a skilled workforce.
Ruto further acknowledged the Dawoodi Bohra community’s involvement in national priority projects, including affordable housing and healthcare initiatives.
“The housing programme is not just about houses. It’s about jobs, dignity and lifting people,” he said.
He thanked Dawoodi Bohra doctors and surgeons for supporting health programmes and contributing to universal health coverage, which he said now has 28.5 million registered Kenyans.
Looking ahead, the President said Kenya plans to add 10,000 megawatts of power, expand road networks and construct a new world-class airport within the year as part of the country’s growth plans.
“As we embark on the journey to move Kenya to a first-world country, we seek your partnership, your support and your prayers,” Ruto said.
