21/02/2026
Changes by New Chairman Are Affecting the Qur’an Competition at Masjidul Ibnu Qayim.
For over fourteen years, the annual Qur’an competition held at Masjidul Ibnu Qayim has stood as one of the most respected religious programmes in Garissa County. The event has consistently united the community, motivated students of the Qur’an, and strengthened the role of local duksis in nurturing young reciters and memorizers.
Throughout this long period, the success of the programme has been attributed to strong cooperation between the organizing committee, local religious leaders, duksi teachers, and the Garissa media fraternity. Local media houses have played a key role in promoting the event, documenting its progress, and ensuring that the competition remained transparent and inclusive.
Major Changes Under the New Chairman
This year, however, many stakeholders say the programme has experienced significant changes under the leadership of the new chairman of the competition committee. According to local media representatives and some duksi leaders, these changes have altered long-standing practices that previously ensured fairness and community participation.
One of the most controversial decisions has been the reported replacement of local media coverage with a media team from Nairobi. Community media stakeholders say this move overlooks the dedication of local journalists who have supported the programme for more than a decade.
They argue that since the competition is a community-based religious event, priority should be given to local media that understand the local context, language, and community needs.
Concerns About Duksi Selection Process
In addition to media-related concerns, some duksi sheikhs have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the process used to select participating schools and students this year. According to their complaints, there is a lack of clarity regarding the criteria used for choosing which duksis could participate.
Some religious leaders have indicated that the selection process appears inconsistent compared to previous years, raising fears that deserving students may have been left out. These concerns are particularly sensitive because the competition is meant to reflect Islamic values of fairness, justice, and equal opportunity.
Growing Frustration Among Local Media
The Garissa media fraternity has openly voiced concern over these developments. Many journalists state that they feel excluded from a programme they have supported for many years. They emphasize that their involvement has never been about personal benefit but about serving the community, promoting Islamic education, and ensuring transparency.
Local media representatives say they are not opposing the competition itself but are calling for accountability and a return to inclusive practices.
Impact on Community Unity
Community members worry that if the current disagreements are not resolved, they could weaken trust in the programme and create divisions within the community. The Qur’an competition has long been viewed as a symbol of unity and religious pride in Garissa County, and many fear that ongoing disputes could damage its reputation.
Calls for Dialogue and Transparency
Stakeholders are now urging the committee leadership to address these concerns through open dialogue and consultation. Suggested steps include:
-Engaging local media as key partners in coverage.
-Clearly communicating criteria for duksi participation.
-Establishing transparent decision-making processes.
-Encouraging community involvement in planning future competitions.
