Kawangware Muslims ‘Udh-hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob’ Initiative Records Major Growth

Tariq Affan

Published: 11 May 2025

Kawangware Muslims ‘Udh-hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob’ Initiative Records Major Growth

Kawangware Muslims Udh hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob’ Initiatives Impactful Growth. PHOTO|COURTESY By Urban Shihemi, May 11, 2025 May Kawangware, a low income residential area in Nairobi, here a transformative initiative started last year 2024 at Twaiba Mosque and Madrassa has become a spiritual fulfillment bringing Eid al-Adha closer to home for many Muslims who have long watched the celebrations from the sidelines. Dubbed "Udh hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob Initiative," the grassroots program allows low-income Muslims to partake in the religious practice of qurbani the ritual animal sacrifice observed during Eid al-Adha by saving just Ksh 20 a day, or Ksh 600 per month, over the course of ten months. At the end of the savings cycle, each participant can afford to buy a goat for the annual festival. The idea was born out of empathy and necessity. Many Muslims in the area, particularly daily wage earners and informal workers, have never been able to fulfill the religious obligation due to the high cost of sacrificial animals during Eidul Al Adha. Let me tell you my short story, my name is Urban Shihemi. Since I converted to Islam, every year I watched other Muslims perform Udh hiya and I knew this was only for the rich. For over 10 years as a Muslim I have always been on the receiving end during this important celebration. Every year, I would line up to receive meat donated by other Muslims not knowing just how much thawabs(Rewards) I was missing for not taking part in the Udh hiya. It always felt out of reach for someone like me. But all this changed last year no just for me but also for 35 other Muslims who live in Kawangware and its environs who had never participated in the Udh hiya in their whole life. And to understand more about this program, I reached out to the Chairman and the man behind this idea. Born and raised in Mumias ,Western Kenya. Hassan Makokha a Muslim revert himself saw an opportunity to ensure many Muslims have a chance to take part in Udh hiya program. "This program is about dignity, faith, and unity," says Hassan Makokha, the Chairman Udh hiya Mbuzi @ 20 bob Initiative." Everyone should have a chance to celebrate Eid and eat from what they have slaughtered. It's about enabling people to participate in something sacred. It’s about reclaiming our place in a tradition that’s meant for everyone, not just those who can afford it." he added. A Model of Community Savings and Sharing What started as a small group with a big dream is now a growing movement. In its first year, the initiative drew 35 participants, each contributing faithfully. Come Eid 2024, they collectively purchased goats, performed the sacrifice, and distributed meat to 70 local beneficiaries, neighbors, widows, orphans, and the elderly. From Kawangware the initiative has attracted residents including Majengo, Utawala, Fedha,Hurama among others. This year, momentum has grown: 60 participants are on track to celebrate Eid al-Adha in full, with a goal of reaching 120 beneficiaries through their collective efforts. The group operates with transparency and trust. Savings are sent to the group's bank account , and purchases are made in bulk just before Eid. The meat distribution is organized with the mosque leaders led by Imam Yusuf Kamau and youth volunteers who help identify deserving households. "We’re proving that with unity and planning, even the smallest daily sacrifice can lead to something powerful," says Makokha. "This is just the beginning." A Spiritual and Social Impact For many in the Kawangware Muslim community, the impact goes beyond meat distribution. The Udh hiya Mbuzi @20 bob Initiative creates a renewed sense of inclusion, responsibility, and spiritual connection. "This is a very important initiative," says Nadhira Juma, a member of the Ud hiya Mbuzi @20 bob Initiative." It is crucial especially for the low income individuals, Eid Al Adha comes towards the end of Islamic Calendar which now enables us as Muslims to develop the habit of saving and my wish is that other areas within the country can replicate the idea and ensure as many Muslims take part in this important act of worship as possible." she noted. A Call to Action for Muslims As Eid al-Adha approaches, Muslims are reminded of the essence of Udh hiya the act of sacrifice in submission to Allah and in service to others. The Udh hiya Mbuzi @20 bob Initiative provides an opportunity to fulfill this sacred duty in a collective, impactful way. Here’s how you can take part:

Contribute: With just 20 shillings per day , your small share goes a long way in supporting a family in need.
Organize: Mobilize your local mosque, youth group, or neighborhood to join the initiative.
Spread the Word: Encourage fellow Muslims to participate and replicate the model in their areas.

As Eid al-Adha approaches,you can also be part, one goat, 20 shillings daily, and one shared meal at a time. For inquiries or to participate in this years Udh hiya program, reach out to the initiative’s organizing team via 0727743190, HASSAN MAKOKHA, the Chairman, The Ud hiya Mbuzi @20 bob Initiative.

Kawangware Muslims ‘Udh-hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob’ Initiative Records Major Growth

Tariq Affan

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Kawangware Muslims ‘Udh-hiya Mbuzi @20 Bob’ Initiative Records Major Growth

Tariq Affan

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