As Muslims across Kenya celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the day marking the end of Ramadan, their joyous celebrations are laced with a sense of urgency and reflection.
This Eid, while the faithful throng mosques and homes to offer prayers and celebrate, the growing challenges of insecurity, the rising cost of living, and the recent uncertainty surrounding the government’s allocation of wafq funds are at the forefront of many conversations.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of spiritual reflection, devotion, and gratitude, but this year, for many, it also brings a sharp focus on the growing difficulties in Kenya. From the arid lands of northern Kenya to the bustling urban centers of Nairobi and Mombasa, the faithful are finding ways to balance celebration with a keen awareness of the tough times they are facing.
For many Muslims, Eid is not just about personal joy; it is a day dedicated to giving and community. The tradition of Zakat al-Fitr, a compulsory act of charity, remains central to the celebrations. This year, however, there is a notable shift as the faithful confront harsh realities that have affected even their generosity.
“Eid is about the community and helping those who are struggling,” says Amina Mohamed, a resident of Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, one of the capital’s most prominent Muslim neighborhoods.
“With the cost of living at an all-time high, many people find themselves in a difficult situation. But we must remember the teachings of Ramadan and continue to give, even when we are also facing challenges ourselves.”
The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent months, with food prices rising and basic commodities becoming harder to afford. For many, this Eid is marked by a simpler celebration, as some families struggle to put together traditional meals or purchase new clothes for the occasion.
In the northern parts of the country, where communities have been hit by both drought and insecurity, Eid takes on a more solemn tone. For those in Turkana and Mandera counties, this Eid is defined by both spiritual fulfillment and an acute awareness of the dire circumstances around them.
“Many of our people have lost their livestock due to drought, and others are displaced due to insecurity,” says Hussein Ahmed, a community leader in Mandera.
“But we come together, nonetheless, to pray and show resilience. Eid is a time for hope, and no matter what the situation, we try to help those in need. Our community is tight-knit, and we share what little we have.”
In places like Garissa and Wajir, where the threat of terror groups has long been a concern, the celebrations are quieter, with additional security measures in place. Nonetheless, local leaders stress the importance of coming together to protect their faith and their communities.
One of the pressing issues that many Muslims are discussing during this Eid is the recent developments concerning wafq (endowment) funds. In Kenya, wafq funds play a crucial role in supporting schools, hospitals, mosques, and various charitable initiatives. These funds are generated from properties donated by Muslim faithful for religious and community purposes.
However, the government’s recent gazettement of new regulations for managing wafq funds has sparked a storm of controversy. Critics argue that the new regulations could undermine the autonomy of Muslim organizations and lead to unnecessary government interference. Some fear that the changes could divert funds from the community projects they were meant to support.
“I am deeply concerned about the new regulations. Wafq funds have always been managed by the community, and this gazettement feels like an attempt to control what has always been a community-driven initiative,” says Jamal Mohamed, an influential figure in the Mombasa Muslim community. “This is a time for celebration, but we cannot ignore the looming threat to our religious and charitable traditions.”
The government’s push to regulate wafq funds comes amidst concerns over terrorism financing, with some accusing certain groups of exploiting charitable funds for extremist activities. While the government’s intention may be to combat this issue, many Muslims feel that their collective efforts are being unfairly targeted.
“We have always used wafq funds to support our schools, clinics, and mosques, and we do not want that to be disrupted,” says Mariam Abdullahi, a teacher at a madrassa in Mombasa. “The government should work with us, not impose policies that weaken our efforts.”
In addition to economic concerns, insecurity continues to be a heavy burden on many Muslim communities. The risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in areas such as the coastal and northeastern regions, remains a serious threat to safety. This year, extra caution has been taken, with increased police presence around mosques and busy shopping areas during the festive period.
“We celebrate Eid with heavy hearts because of the insecurity in our region,” says Hassan Omar, a businessman in Garissa. “The spirit of Eid is still there, but we cannot ignore the fact that many people are scared to travel or gather in large numbers. The threat is real, and it affects our celebrations.”
Despite these challenges, however, there is a prevailing sense of solidarity and resilience. Many Muslims across Kenya are turning their focus inward, relying on faith and community to overcome the difficult circumstances surrounding them. This Eid, while quieter and more reflective than usual, also serves as a testament to the strength of the Muslim community in the face of adversity.
“Faith teaches us to endure, no matter the challenges,” says Amina Mohamed. “This Eid, we give what we can, pray for peace, and remember that the most important thing is to be there for each other, now more than ever.”
As the sun sets on this Eid al-Fitr, Kenyan Muslims continue to uphold the values of generosity, charity, and unity, even as they confront some of the most difficult trials of their lives. The celebrations may be different this year, but the spirit of Eid remains unbroken, reflecting the enduring resilience of a community committed to hope and solidarity amidst hardship.
