By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 3 July 2026 - The Islamic University of Kenya (IUK) and the Kenya Red Cross Society have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at strengthening humanitarian action through academic collaboration, with a focus on training, research, climate resilience and Islamic finance.
The agreement was signed following a series of engagements between the two institutions, culminating in a meeting hosted by IUK Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohamed Abdinoor and attended by Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Ahmed Idris.
According to the university, the partnership seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical humanitarian work by equipping students with real-world skills while supporting research that addresses emerging humanitarian challenges.
Under the agreement, IUK students will receive practical disaster response training through the Kenya Red Cross Training Institute, providing them with hands-on experience in emergency preparedness and humanitarian response.
The two institutions will also undertake joint research on disaster management, climate change and community resilience to generate evidence-based solutions for vulnerable communities across Kenya.
A key component of the partnership is the exploration of Islamic social finance mechanisms, including Zakat, Waqf and Sadaqa,as sustainable tools to strengthen humanitarian response systems and mobilize resources for community support.
The collaboration also aligns with IUK's Go-Green Agenda,which promotes environmental sustainability through initiatives such as solar energy adoption, sustainable sewer systems and climate-conscious infrastructure development.
University officials said the partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and service to humanity while preparing graduates with the practical knowledge and skills needed to respond to humanitarian challenges.
The collaboration is expected to enhance academic excellence, strengthen disaster preparedness efforts and contribute to building more resilient communities across the country.
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