Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged young people in Garissa and across Northern Kenya to register as voters, while warning leaders against turning youth programs into political tools during a public event in the county. He also used the occasion to point out education and long-term community development.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, April 5, 2026, Duale participated in a graduation ceremony at Khadija Bint Khuwaylid Madrassa in Garissa, where he presided over the madrassa’s 28th graduation ceremony, celebrating 45 students who completed their studies, while recognising the institution’s role in shaping disciplined and knowledgeable young people in the region.

“Officiated the 28th high school graduation ceremony at Khadija Bint Khuwaylid Madrassa in Garissa County, celebrating 45 graduates who successfully completed their studies.” the statement reads.

He emphasised that religious education plays a key role in shaping the character of girls and young women, noting that such institutions help build strong moral values alongside academic growth.

“I emphasised the importance of religious education in empowering girls and young women with strong moral and intellectual foundations, and commended the institution for its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals,” the statement reads.

He urged young people in Garissa, Northern Kenya and the rest of the country to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, saying their involvement is key in shaping the country’s future through democratic processes.

“Additionally, I called on the youth in Garissa, Northern Kenya and across the country to take part in the ongoing voter registration drive led by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging them to embrace active citizenship and make their voices count through democratic processes.” the statement reads.

Duale warned politicians against interfering with the ‘Niko Kadi’ initiative, stressing that the program is meant to encourage youth participation in civic matters and should not be used for political gain.

“Further, I cautioned politicians against politicising the youth-focused, ‘Niko Kadi‘ initiative, stressing that it should remain a non-partisan platform aimed at encouraging civic participation,” the statement reads.

The CS also announced the launch of a long-term development project to support the madrassa, saying the planned four-storey Waqf complex will generate income to sustain the institution’s learning programs and operations.

“To support the madrassa’s long-term sustainability, I laid the foundation stone for a Waqf (endowment) project; a four-storey complex comprising residential apartments and commercial units, whose proceeds will fund the institution’s educational programs and operations,” the statement reads.

“Also in attendance were Ramadhan Mwabudzo, Garissa County Commissioner, Religious leaders, Members of County Assembly and parents,” he wrote.