As the holy month of Ramadan dawns upon Kenya’s Muslim community, the annual period of spiritual reflection and devotion is being overshadowed by a pressing challenge – the struggle to access adequate food and water resources.
For the millions of Kenyan Muslims who observe the sacred traditions of Ramadan, which include fasting from dawn to dusk, the ongoing drought and economic hardships have made it increasingly difficult to uphold these vital rituals.
“Ramadan is a time of great spiritual significance for us, a period of reflection, self-discipline, and community,” says Fatuma Ahmed, a resident of Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood. “But this year, the lack of basic necessities has cast a pall over our observances, making it harder to fully immerse ourselves in the sacred practices.”
The protracted drought that has gripped various parts of Kenya, coupled with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global rise in food and energy prices, has created a perfect storm of challenges for the country’s Muslim populations. Many are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the sustenance they need to sustain their Ramadan fasts and nourish their families during the breaking of the fast, known as Iftar.
“It’s heartbreaking to see families struggling to put food on the table, especially during this holy month,” says Aisha Mwangi, a community organizer in Mombasa. “Many of our people are having to choose between fulfilling their religious obligations and ensuring their basic survival. It’s a terrible position to be in.”
The scarcity of water has also emerged as a pressing concern, as Muslims require access to clean water for the ablutions and ritual cleansing that are an integral part of their Ramadan practices. In some drought-stricken areas, people have had to walk for miles to fetch water, further exacerbating the challenges they face in observing their faith.
“The lack of water is a particular burden, as we need it not just for sustenance, but for our religious rituals,” says Abdullahi Hassan, a resident of Garissa County. “It’s not just about being able to break our fast; it’s about maintaining our spiritual purity and connection to our faith. When that becomes a struggle, it takes a toll on our hearts and minds.”
The Kenyan government has acknowledged the plight of its Muslim citizens during this Ramadan period and has taken steps to alleviate the situation. Initiatives such as the distribution of food and water relief packages, as well as the establishment of temporary water access points in affected communities, have provided some respite.
“We recognize the immense challenges our Muslim brothers and sisters are facing during this holy month,” says Ukur Yatani, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning. “As a government, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that they can observe their religious traditions with dignity and without undue hardship.”
However, some community leaders and activists argue that the government’s response has been insufficient, and that more comprehensive and long-term solutions are needed to address the underlying issues of food and water insecurity.
“The relief efforts are a welcome start, but they are simply treating the symptoms of a much deeper problem,” says Esther Njuguna, a prominent civil society leader. “We need to address the root causes of the drought, invest in sustainable water infrastructure, and implement policies that ensure food security for all Kenyans, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.”
As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, the Kenyan Muslim community continues to demonstrate its resilience and unwavering faith in the face of these daunting challenges. Mosques and community centers have stepped up to provide support, organizing food and water distribution programs and offering spaces for collective Iftar celebrations.
“Our faith is what sustains us, even in the darkest of times,” says Fatuma Ahmed. “We may be facing difficulties, but our commitment to Ramadan and our belief in the divine plan remains unshakable. We will continue to observe our traditions, support one another, and pray for a brighter future for all Kenyans.”
The struggles faced by Kenyan Muslims during this Ramadan period serve as a poignant reminder of the need for a more equitable and resilient society, one that ensures the fundamental rights and dignities of all its citizens, regardless of their religious or socioeconomic status. As the country navigates these challenging times, the hope is that the lesson of compassion and community spirit embodied by Ramadan will inspire a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing issues of food and water security for all.
About The Author
