The international, independent humanitarian organization Rahma Worldwide has officially launched its first Africa office in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
The strategic move aims to expand the foundation’s humanitarian efforts across the continent and establish a hub for its various projects.
The Nairobi office will coordinate charitable, relief, and sustainable development initiatives throughout Africa.
Dr. Shadi Zaza, President of Rahma Worldwide, announced that the organization is ready to make a significant impact in Kenya’s humanitarian sector, particularly focusing on essential programmes that have been affected by the recent USAID funding freeze.
“We are all aware about the health sector needs and we are focusing more on sending aid from the U.S. especially after the USAID cuts funding,” he said.
“We hope to encourage other partners with us and we call upon all the NGOs and major players to support this initiative in making efforts to provide more aid to Kenya and East Africa,” he added.
The foundation operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, delivering humanitarian assistance.
Under the theme “Leaving No One Behind,” the organisation has several key areas of focus. In Kenya, the foundation will prioritize food security, water sanitation and hygiene, education, emergency response, health, and support for refugees.
At the launch, Nairobi County Commissioner Mr. David Simiyu welcomed the foundation and urged its leadership to support the most vulnerable populations, particularly in Nairobi’s informal settlements, which face significant humanitarian challenges.
“Emergency response is something that we need everywhere in Africa. Africa has so many emergencies. Like last year, if you were around May, June, we had floods of the highest magnitude ever in Nairobi. We lost so many lives. So many people were displaced,” he said.
Sheikh Mahmud Mustapha, who engages in local humanitarian activities, noted that the establishment of the foundation’s operations in Kenya presents an opportunity for substantial positive impact.
“As someone who is deeply involved in community development, I deeply appreciate Rahma’s holistic approach. Moving forward I believe there are areas where their collaboration can be strengthened, for instance in economic empowerment, community outreach and many other areas,” he said.
