Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged members of the Somali and Muslim communities in North Eastern Kenya to register as voters, saying their participation in the democratic process is important for the region’s voice in national affairs.

Duale made the remarks on Sunday, July 19, 2026, while presiding over the 2026 graduation ceremony of The Zaid Al-Khair Centre for Teaching Quran and Its Sciences, where 150 students completed different levels of Quranic and religious studies.

The event brought together parents, community leaders and Muslim scholars who gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements.

In his address, Duale said religious education plays a role in shaping responsible citizens and future leaders.

“The ethical foundations cultivated through religious education are essential for future leadership in both public and private institutions,” Duale said.

He added that the graduates had gained knowledge that could help them contribute to society beyond academic achievement.

“Today’s graduates are not only academic achievers but also potential leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Call for voter registration

Duale used the occasion to encourage members of the Somali and Muslim communities to take part in Kenya’s electoral process by registering as voters.

He said voter registration would allow more people from the region to participate in choosing leaders and influence decisions affecting their communities.

“I encouraged members of the Somali and Muslim communities to actively participate in the democratic process by registering as voters and supporting initiatives that promote national development and stability,” Duale said.

The call comes as political leaders across the country continue urging eligible Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In recent months, leaders from different regions have linked increased voter numbers to stronger political influence, arguing that communities with higher voter registration numbers have a greater role in national conversations.

For North Eastern Kenya, voter registration has remained a key issue as leaders seek to increase participation in elections and ensure residents are represented in government.

Apart from voter registration, Duale also encouraged residents to enrol in the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme to access affordable healthcare services.

He urged the community to embrace government programmes aimed at improving access to essential services.

Duale also asked voters to elect leaders based on their record of service, integrity and commitment to development.

“I urged them to elect leaders with a demonstrated commitment to service, integrity and development,” he said.

Religious education and leadership

The Zaid Al-Khair Centre graduation ceremony focused on the role of religious education in developing moral values among young people.

Duale said institutions offering faith-based education contribute to building citizens who can serve their communities responsibly.

Local leaders who attended the ceremony included the host Sheikh Abdirahman Modogash and Sheikh Abdulrazak Abdullahi, also known as General Jir.

The voter registration push by Duale adds to growing calls by political leaders encouraging Kenyans who have acquired national identity cards but have not registered as voters to complete the process.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, voter registration has become a major focus for political actors seeking to mobilise support and strengthen their influence in different regions.