On 5th November 2024, Alhaj Akil bhai Hirji, Chairman of the AFED Housing Development Board, accompanied by Mohamed bhai Moledina, AFED Projects Coordinator visited Mombasa, Kenya. They also visited Lamu, to inspect the Lamu Mosque, Imambargha and the Madressah which is operating under Bilal Lamu, reporting to Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya. The visit to Mombasa and Lamu was essentially important; to this, the Board is thankful to Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer, who is also a nominated Councillor of AFED from Mombasa for his constant follow-up and the support he provides for the Lamu Mosque Project.
Akil bhai Hirji first had a meeting with Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer, the immediate past Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat along with Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, CBB Chairman, Alhaj Iqbal Sunderji, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Chairman, Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa, Hon. General Secretary of Mombasa Jamaat who is also Housing Development Board member, Alhaj Amir Merali, AFED Nominated Councillor, Head of Lamu Mosque Restoration Team and Trustee of Mombasa Jamaat and Alhaj Akber Kassamali, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya Project Coordinator.
During the meeting Mohamedbhai Jaffer shared brief history and status of Lamu Masjid being among the oldest Shia Masjid built in1862. He further briefed that the Imambargha and Madressa are in a bad state which needs immediate attention, the contractor who was earlier given the job was not able to do according to the required standards. Alhaj Mohamed Hemani briefed the way forward as per BMM Kenya plans and requested Akil bhai to visit Lamu and physically assess the situation and provide guidance using his expertise. Akil bhai noted all the details and informed that action plan will be put in place immediately after the visit on 6th November 2024.
Akil bhai briefed Mohamed bhai Jaffer in regards to his request to renovate the Kuwwatul Islam Jamaat Imambargha in Zanzibar, highlighting the urgent need for immediate repairs. However, due to the restrictions associated with the Old Town Regulations and the challenges of finding a suitable contractor in Zanzibar, Akil bhai requested Mohamed bhai Jaffer to assist by recommending a contractor within Zanzibar.
In addition to the above discussions, deliberations were also made regarding the housing project in Mombasa for which a plot was identified near the mosque and foundation has been laid.
Akil bhai, accompanied by Alhaj Husseinali Dungersi, visited the Unity House in Mombasa, this is AFED’s Trust property in order to assess its current condition and determine best way forward. During the visit, it became evident that the property requires major renovations and a change of use of the 4 flats on the first floor from residential to commercial, in line with the evolving nature of the surrounding area. Similarly, the external of the building is very old and requires refurbishing giving better and attractive outlook of the building. Akil bhai requested Husseinali bhai to start and initiate groundwork for converting the four apartment units into offices. He further instructed that the proposal be shared with the office bearers and trustees of AFED for discussion and approval, aiming to generate sufficient income for AFED.
After Maghribain prayers, Akil bhai had a brief meeting over dinner with Alhaj Mohammedraza Rashid, Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat, along with Yusuf bhai Jiwa, Mohamed bhai Hemani, and Amir bhai Merali. During the meeting, the current housing situation in Mombasa was discussed. Akil bhai requested visits to the various sites brought up in the discussion and emphasized the need for an updated survey to assess the requirements for rent-to-own schemes, welfare housing, and outright purchase needs, given the current population of the Jamaat. He said this will provide a good assessment on the needs for housing in Mombasa.
On 6th November 2024, after Fajr prayers, Akil bhai along with Amir bhai Merali and Yusuf bhai Jiwa inspected a plot near the NSSF building in old town, and also Raza bhai Kanji Trust building to see the current status of the property. Mombasa Jamaat wishes to put a plan for the housing scheme project and are currently looking at various available options.
Thereafter, Akil bhai, accompanied by the BMMK team, which included Chairman Iqbal bhai Sunderji, CEO Murtaza Jaffer, Project Coordinator Akber bhai Kassamali, and Trustee Gulamabbas bhai Khaku visited the building which was donated to BMMK for their new headquarters. After inspecting the property and evaluating the renovation work required to meet BMMK's needs, as well as considering the location, Akil bhai recommended exploring a better-suited location to ensure long-term suitability. Following discussions, it was agreed that after Akil bhai's return from Lamu on 7th November 2024, the BMMK team and Akil bhai would visit the Bilal Mtongwe Centre to have a better overall picture for further deliberations.
On the afternoon of 6th November 2024, Akil bhai Hirji, accompanied by Yusuf bhai Jiwa, Akber bhai Kassamali, and Mohamed bhai Moledina, travelled by air to Lamu. They were welcomed by Bilal Lamu Interim Chairman Alhaj Ali Bunu and a member, Alhaj Feisal Miji. The team visited few surrounding Masjids as well as the KSI properties in the area. They also attended a funeral of Marhum Ustadh Salmin B Hileble at Sayyid Aidarus Alawy’s Swafa Centre.
The current status of the Kibaki Ground in Lamu was also discussed, the Kibaki Ground in Lamu has been a subject of discussion for several years, with the support of the AFED and BMMK Trustees, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer, Alhaj Sajjad Rashid, Alhaj Yusuf Jiwa, Alhaj Mohamed Hemani, Alhaj Amir Merali and Alhaj Ali Bunu, there is some good progress with the plan to sub-divide the plot and to dispose off, currently there are incidences of intrustion into this plot and few structures have been built on our plot, including some graves without our authority or permission.
We hope, the Kibaki Ground matter is resolved at earliest possible, AFED Secretariat wishes to thank Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer and his team for their cooperation and support towards finalization of the Kibaki Ground issue.
After Maghrib prayers, Akil bhai and his team held a brief meeting with the Lamu Masjid Committee, led by the Chairman Alhaj Ali Bunu. The meeting was productive, and a way forward was outlined during the discussions.
On 7th November, after Fajr prayers, Akil bhai and his team inspected the masjid and other facilities, followed by a discussion on the action plan. The proposed plan involved demolishing the existing facilities and constructing a ground-plus-two-story building to accommodate a wudhoo area, toilets, a Ladies’ Imambargha, a Madrassah, an office, a multipurpose hall, and other amenities. Yusuf bhai Jiwa informed the members that the plots at the front and back of the property are currently under negotiation by Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer’s office and would soon be acquired to expand the Mosque and Imambargha facilities. This expansion is critical to cater to the rapidly growing population of the local Shia Ithna-Asheri, as the current space is insufficient. The team then departed for Mombasa later in the afternoon.
The Lamu visit for informative and productive, a physical inspection carried out yielded better results and a plan of action was agreed upon. The action parties involved shall therefore start the work, to acquire the additional plots and the demolition and rebuilding of the block for Imambargha, Madressah etc.
Upon returning to Mombasa from Lamu, Akil bhai visited the BMM Kenya site at Mtongwe, which includes a masjid, Imambargha, library, Hawzah, boys' dormitories, and teachers’ accommodations, the facilities were quite impressive. During a meeting with BMM Kenya, Akil bhai proposed to BMM Kenya to dispose off the building initially allocated for their headquarters and using the proceeds to purchase plots near the Mtongwe center. This expansion would allow for the establishment of a Girls' Hawzah and accommodate the BMM Kenya headquarters. This will provide better facilities to BMM Kenya as well as reduce the overheads, by operating from one office instead of two.
After Maghrib prayers on 7th November 2024, Akil bhai held a meeting with Alhaj Mohammedraza Rashid, Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat, Yusuf bhai Jiwa, and the Trustees of Mombasa Jamaat to discuss the housing project. It was agreed to utilize the foundation and basement of the three-block Jaffery Housing Project, which are already completed, for the construction of housing units. These units will cater to welfare needs, rent-to-own schemes, and other initiatives, enabling members to reside near the complex and benefit from the various facilities provided by the Jamaat. The Jaffery Islamic Complex facilities were developed under the leadership of Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer. Akil bhai acknowledged and appreciated the hard work and efforts of the Jamaat under immediate past Chairman, Alhaj Dr. Mohamed Jaffer’s leadership along with the Vice Chairman, Alhaj Mohammedraza Rashid who is currently the acting Chairman of the Jamaat.
On 8th November 2024, Akil bhai visited the AFED warehouse property in Mombasa to assess its current condition. He then visited the tenants' showroom and possibility of offering community discounts on the finished products.
Alhamdulillah, the AFED Housing Development Board had a very productive and fruitful trip to Mombasa and Lamu. Akil bhai Hirji would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to Mombasa Jamaat, CBB Chairman Mohamed bhai Hemani, and the whole team of BMM Kenya for their warm hospitality and unwavering support during the visit.
The team greatly appreciates the efforts and coordination from all parties involved, which contributed to the success of the trip and the progress made on various projects.
AFED Housing Development Board
