The Deputy Director General of the Projects Sector, Abdul Rahman Al-Mutawa, participated during a charitable trip to Kenya in the official opening ceremony of Umma University, which was founded by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait - may God have mercy on him - in 2007, which included the inauguration of a number of new departments and colleges at the university.

The IICO contributed to this project by financing the educational lecture room project at the university from the proceeds of the endowment of the late Ali Saleh Al-Lahaib - may God have mercy on him, within the framework of coordination and partnership with the Direct Aid Society. As well as the IICO’s keenness to support specific projects that have a significant impact in the field of improving livelihoods in human life across Africa.

Furthermore, the official opening of the university was the culmination of a new phase of the great efforts initiated by Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait - may God have mercy on him - in 2007. As he dreamed of establishing a university that would serve Muslims, and fulfil his wish by graduating educated leaders who are aware of the needs of their societies, and who are qualified to present initiatives that would contribute to their advancement.

The Vice Chancellor of Umma University, Dr. Halima Saado Abdullah, opened the modern hall at the College of Technological and Technical Education, furnished in the latest style, during the university’s fifth annual cultural festival in November 2023.

The opening of the University Hall represents a milestone in the provision of scientific space, which brings faculty, staff, students and visitors together in an uplifting and inspiring space, and enables researchers and the public, from across Kenya and beyond, to meet in a modern and well-equipped hall.

Moreover, it is hoped that the hall will serve as a starting point towards a new era in the history of the Umma University in Kenya, an era that will witness - God willing - the achievement of ambitious plans in the field of growth and influence.

The lecture room is one of the largest investments in Umma University, as it can accommodate 416 male and female students, and aims to improve the quality of education, especially by equipping it with LCD display systems and screens for presenting lectures, providing educational services to students and accompanying activities.

Based on its strategic vision 2022-2036, which aims to provide educational opportunities with qualitative outcomes, the IICO adopted this project, due to the advanced educational services it provides at the university level.

In addition, Al-Mutawa participated in field tours during which he inspected a number of specific projects affiliated with the Direct Aid Society.

Kenya is located in East Africa and is famous for its picturesque landscapes and vast wildlife reserves. Its coast on the Indian Ocean provides ports of historical importance through which the goods of Arab and Asian traders entered the continent for centuries.

Along this coast, which has some of Africa's best beaches, are Muslim-majority Swahili cities such as Mombasa, a historic center that has contributed much to the country's cultural heritage.

In the center, there are densely populated highlands and are famous for their tea plantations, which were an economic staple during the British colonial era.

The Christian religion is the majority religion, as Christians constitute 67% of the total population due to the long period of colonialism and the activity of Christianization campaigns, while Muslims constitute about 30% of the population and a small portion of the population practice paganism.

It is noteworthy that Nairobi is one of the most expensive African capitals, and the cost of living is relatively high, compared to the capitals of other African countries. It is located in the highlands, which gives it moderate weather throughout the year.

Umma University... high quality education in accordance with Islamic values

Umma University, affiliated with the Direct Aid Society, is the first Islamic university established and funded by an Arab charitable organization in Africa. Its first building block was laid by the founder of the association, “former African Muslims,” Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Sumait - may God have mercy on him - in 2007, when he founded the “THIKA College” of Islamic Sharia in 1992, based on his deep belief in the message of education and its effectiveness in advancing societies.

The Kenya Higher Education Commission had granted the College of Sharia the authorization to grant two academic degrees in the specializations of Sharia and Islamic studies in cooperation with the International University of Africa in Sudan.

Subsequently, “Thika College” was transformed into “Umma University” to include three faculties of Islamic studies, Sharia, and Economics. Then, in 2013, it received recognition from the Higher Education Commission as the first private Islamic university out of 67 universities, 34 of which were affiliated with the church.

The buildings of Umma University are distinguished by their high quality compared to most universities in Kenya. It is the first private Islamic university in Kenya, and its philosophy is based on Islamic principles and values, with an emphasis on the full development of individual talent, moral integrity, hard work, and competitiveness to encourage excellence in all areas of life. As well as to promote social transformation based on Islamic principles while promoting peaceful coexistence among members of society of all backgrounds.

The university offers undergraduate, graduate and diploma programs as part of its efforts to provide an educational experience characterized by academic standards, from instructional design to research and student services.

It is noteworthy that the Direct Aid Society established and manages four universities in East Africa, namely, SIMAD University in Somalia, Umma University in Kenya, Abdulrahman Al-Sumait University in Zanzibar, and Muslim University of Morogoro in Tanzania, while working to build a fifth university in Benin, west of the African continent.

The Direct Aid Society seeks to expand its work in the academic and educational field across the African continent and for its universities to obtain accreditation by official authorities.