A significant boost for education in Northern Kenya was achieved on Saturday, September 20, when a high-profile fundraiser in Nairobi raised more than KSh 163 million in support of the Eltabashi Educational Trust.
The event, hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel, brought together political, business, and religious leaders in a powerful display of unity and commitment to education.
The funds will be directed towards supporting ten Madrasas in Mandera County, providing vulnerable children with improved access to learning opportunities.
President William Ruto, who led the drive, emphasised the central role of education in shaping Kenya’s future.
“The more education is made accessible to our children, the more empowered, equal and prosperous we become,” he said.
“In Nairobi, during a fundraiser in aid of Islamic institutions in Mandera County, we reaffirmed our collective commitment to education as the foundation of opportunity and progress. We applaud the Eltabashi Educational Trust’s dedication to supporting vulnerable children in Northern Kenya to access education.”
Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan confirmed that KSh 163,218,000 had been raised and expressed gratitude to all contributors, noting the funds would go a long way in uplifting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The event attracted a host of dignitaries, including Health CS Aden Duale, Governors Ahmed Abdullahi and Nathif Adam, Senator Ali Roba, MPs from Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir, principal secretaries, and prominent business and religious leaders. Duale praised the initiative as transformative.
“At its heart, this initiative goes beyond supporting faith-based infrastructure. It also seeks to open doors of opportunity for vulnerable children across Northern Kenya to access quality education and a brighter future. For the children and families who benefit, this work is restoring hope, affirming dignity, and creating real chances where they are needed most. We remain deeply grateful to the President for his consistent solidarity with the Muslim community and for supporting efforts that uplift our people,” he said.
Among the standout moments was a KSh 1.2 million pledge by Mustafa Brown, CEO of Browncop Security Limited.
A close associate of George Ruto, Brown’s contribution was highlighted as part of his rising influence in both philanthropic and corporate circles.
With this overwhelming show of support, the Eltabashi Educational Trust has reinforced its position as a key partner in advancing education in Mandera, while also sending a strong message that collective action remains vital in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.