CS Duale urges ethical finance and solidarity at Takaful Iftar dinner

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Saturday urged Kenyans to embrace ethical financial systems and strengthen community solidarity, saying the Takaful insurance model reflects the values of compassion, fairness and shared responsibility highlighted during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner hosted by Takaful Insurance of Africa in Nairobi, Duale said Ramadan offers an opportunity for reflection on how people treat and support one another.

“Distinguished guests, chairman of the group, directors, the CEO, the Chief Operations Officer, staff and guests present, in this blessed month of Ramadan we are reminded that our greatest blessings are not measured by what we possess but by how we care for and support one another,” Duale said.

The Cabinet Secretary told attendees that gatherings such as Iftar dinners reflect the values of compassion and shared responsibility that are central to the Islamic faith.

“Tonight as we gather and break our fast, we celebrate compassion, we celebrate fairness and shared responsibility. These are values that bind us and give life to the spirit of our faith,” he said.

Duale also praised the organisation for promoting financial solutions based on ethical principles and community cooperation.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team of the Takaful family. Your commitment to ethical Sharia-compliant solutions empowers our communities by providing a framework where neighbours can cooperate, share responsibility and support each other,” the CS said.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Takaful model represents more than a financial product.

“For me and for many, Takaful is more than insurance. It is a living example of solidarity and ethical responsibility,” he remarked.

He said the model encourages collective care and fairness among communities.

“Just as families share burdens at home, Takaful allows communities to stand together, share risks and uplift one another in a fair and transparent way,” he said.

Duale noted that the system reflects the broader spirit of Ramadan, which emphasises generosity and support for others.

“These contributions that we make strengthen the bonds, foster trust and embody the spirit of healing that Ramadan inspires,” Duale remarked.

The Cabinet Secretary also reminded attendees that Islamic finance had been formally incorporated into Kenya’s financial and insurance systems through legislative reforms.

“Many people might not remember that Islamic insurance has been integrated into the main, broad insurance system in our country through amendments that were done when I was majority leader, both Islamic banking and Islamic insurance,” he said.

He explained that the reforms allowed the sector to operate within Kenya’s regulatory framework.

“It has been integrated into the main insurance laws in our country through amendments to the Insurance Act and through the guidelines to the insurance regulatory framework,” he said.

Duale said the model differs from conventional systems primarily because of its ethical foundations.

“It does only one thing. It is ethical, and it must comply strictly with the adherence of Islamic Sharia,” he said.

Duale concluded his remarks with prayers as Muslims approach the final days of Ramadan.

“May Allah bless all of us as we approach the last ten days,” he prayed.

Earlier, the host of the event, Chairman of Takaful Insurance and Wajir East MP, Adan Daud, welcomed participants and described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between the company and its clients.

“It’s also my pleasure to welcome our participants, the people who make our business, those of you who are here today with us,” Daud said.

Daud said the Takaful model was built on ethical financial practices that serve people from all backgrounds.

“What we know is ethical insurance, but in reality, it is not for a religious group. It is for everybody. It is ethical insurance,” he added.

He said the company’s approach distinguishes it from conventional insurance firms.

“Unlike other commercial insurance companies, our model brings ethical insurance,” he said.

Daud encouraged guests to engage with the company and learn more about its services.

The CEO of Takaful Insurance of Africa Group, Mohammed Bahdon, also echoed that the Takaful insurance model was built on a purpose of promoting ethical financial practices, shared responsibility, and community support in line with Shari’ah principles.

The Iftar dinner held at Amara Gardens brought together leaders from government, industry and the community, highlighting how faith-based values can intersect with financial systems to promote cooperation and mutual support.

Also in attendance was Wajir South MP, Mohammed Adow, alongside religious leaders, including Acting Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukiyan Omar, who joined stakeholders in breaking the fast.