Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has stepped up engagement with Muslim leaders in Baringo, focusing on political participation and community development as politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election.
Duale hosted a delegation from Eldama Ravine led by area MP Musa Sirma and Sheikh Issa Aljab for consultations on the welfare and development of the Muslim community.
“Our discussions focused on enhancing the community's participation in local political leadership and decision-making, as well as other matters of mutual interest,” Duale said.
The engagement places community representation at the centre of the discussions as political leaders increasingly seek to build grassroots networks ahead of the next elections.
Duale said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss issues affecting the community while encouraging its members to take a more active role in local leadership and decision-making.
“We discussed the welfare and development of the community and how we can enhance its participation in local political leadership and decision-making,” he said.
The CS also linked the engagement to government programmes, with the leaders agreeing to sensitise residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Duale said the initiative would help more residents access affordable healthcare under the government's Universal Health Coverage agenda.
“Our leaders further committed to sensitising residents to register with SHA,” he said, adding that the initiative would support efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare.
The meeting also brought religious development to the fore, with Sheikh Maalim Hassan, chairman of Eldama Ravine Jamia Mosque, inviting Duale to officiate at a forthcoming resource mobilisation drive for the construction of a modern mosque.
Duale said the proposed facility would respond to the needs of the area's growing Muslim population.
“I was also invited to officiate a forthcoming resource mobilisation drive towards the construction of a modern mosque to serve the area's growing Muslim population,” he said.
The mosque project adds a community development dimension to Duale's engagement with the leaders, who have become an important link between residents and political leadership.
The CS said government and community initiatives should work together to improve the welfare of residents.
“Community development and participation in decision-making must go hand in hand,” Duale said.
The meeting was attended by Jamia Mosque Eldama Ravine Muslim leadership officials, including organising secretary Abdul Malik, secretary Suleiman Omar, mosque trustee Shafii Abdalla and patron Abdulqadir Ahmad.
The engagement comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders seeking to consolidate support through grassroots networks and community organisations.
Duale's outreach in Eldama Ravine could strengthen his links with Muslim leaders in Baringo while also giving the government an opportunity to promote programmes such as SHA and UHC at the grassroots.
