By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 5 August 2026 - President William Ruto has defended his administration's record on inclusivity, saying the government is addressing historical injustices by expanding development and public services to communities that have long felt marginalised.
Speaking after hosting more than 9,000 Muslim religious leaders from across the country at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, the President said every Kenyan deserves equal treatment regardless of their region or religion.
"We are one people, united by one Constitution, and every Kenyan is entitled to equal dignity, equal rights and equal opportunity," Ruto said.
The President pointed to reforms targeting the Muslim community, saying they reflect the government's commitment to correcting long-standing inequalities rather than making political promises.
"At the same time, we are correcting historical injustices through equitable development across our Republic. Historically underserved regions, including Northern Kenya and the Coast, are receiving unprecedented investment in infrastructure and economic opportunity as we ensure that no community is left behind," he said.
Among the key measures highlighted was the government's decision to end what Ruto described as discriminatory vetting in the issuance of national identity cards, a long-standing concern raised by residents of Northern Kenya and parts of the Coast.
He also cited the establishment of a Consulate-General in Jeddah to serve Kenyans travelling to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the operationalisation of passport centres in Mombasa and Garissa, and the ongoing recognition of Madrasas and Duksis within Kenya's education system.
"That commitment is reflected in action. We have ended discriminatory vetting in the issuance of national identity cards, established a Consulate-General in Jeddah to serve Kenyans travelling to Makkah and Madinah, operationalised passport centres in Mombasa and Garissa, commenced the establishment of the Waqf Commission to strengthen the protection and management of Muslim charitable endowments, and initiated the formal recognition of Madrasas and Duksis within our education system," Ruto said.
More from Kenya
The President also reaffirmed that the long-awaited Muslim Endowment Fund (Waqf) will be operational by September, following the completion of public participation and legal processes.
"The first process encountered some obstacles because the law required us to conduct sufficient public participation and ensure that Muslims across the country were made aware of it. That work is now complete. By September, next month, Waqf will have been finalised, and the stipulated procedures can then be followed as Islam recommends," he said.
The Waqf Commission, established under the Waqf Act, 2022, will oversee the registration, protection and management of Islamic charitable endowments, including mosques, schools, cemeteries, land and commercial properties dedicated to community welfare.
Ruto further linked the reforms to the government's broader development agenda, saying Kenya is preparing for life beyond Vision 2030 through a nationwide public consultation process.
"We are now charting Kenya's journey beyond Vision 2030 through an inclusive, people-centred national conversation that will culminate in a National Development Charter, placing Kenya firmly on the path towards becoming a first-world economy," he said.
The meeting formed part of the government's engagement with religious leaders as it seeks support for its development agenda while advancing policies aimed at promoting equity, national cohesion and inclusive economic growth.