Consultations and Decision Making

NAMLEF has subdivided Kenya into 10 regions: Nairobi, Coast, North Eastern, Nyanza, Central, Western, North Rift, South Rift, Upper and Lower Eastern. We have representatives at regional level who in turn have formed themselves into working committees to address issues affecting them at respective regions.

The National Executive Committee meets fortnightly but when there is need, the members avail themselves for meetings at short notices.

NAMLEF has established 10 regional offices. NAMLEF member organisations in respective regions hold periodic meetings aimed at resolving issues of concern to them at the grassroots. Issues which need national attention are forwarded to the National Executive Committee.

The 53 affiliate member organisations meet under the ambit of the National Convention held every 3 months.

This is done under the National Convention where member organisations drawn across the country converge to share the challenges and achievements at the grassroots. These conventions also act as a forum to come up with resolutions on issues of national importance as well as charting the course of action of the Forum for the 3 months before the next Convention.

How we Work

The National Executive Committee meets fortnightly but when there is need, the members avail themselves for meetings at short notices.

NAMLEF has established 10 regional offices. NAMLEF member organisations in respective regions hold periodic meetings aimed at resolving issues of concern to them at the grassroots. Issues which need national attention are forwarded to the National Executive Committee.

The 53 affiliate member organisations meet under the ambit of the National Convention held every 3 months.

This is done under the National Convention where member organisations drawn across the country converge to share the challenges and achievements at the grassroots. These conventions also act as a forum to come up with resolutions on issues of national importance as well as charting the course of action of the Forum for the 3 months before the next Convention.

Strategic Plan 2009—2013

NAMLEF’s Strategic Plan 2008—2013 provides a useful reference, framework and guide for all NAMLEF’s activities. It sets out clear strategic objectives for this strategic time frame. It calls for a refocusing of NAMLEF’s programmes; establishment of robust and effective institutional structures, enhanced human resource capacity and enhanced capacity for financial resources mobilisation to support its envisaged programmes. The organisation aims at raising Kshs. 381 Million to support the implementation of this five-year Strategic Plan.

The Organisation is expected to prioritise research in certain critical and urgent areas to aid in sound decision-making and programmes formulation. In addition, NAMLEF aims at stepping-up its communication efforts, to position itself as the undisputed and unifying voice for promotion of Muslim interests and defender of their rights in Kenya.

Key among the flagship projects is the Construction of Muslim House, to serve as its Headquarters and source of income for running the organisation.  Others include the formation of Muslim Parliamentary caucus, recovery of Muslim facilities, national survey of Da’wah, a Muslim publishing foundation, political agenda for Muslims, Design Muslim models of excellence, a Muslim leadership-training programme, and a research and documentation unit.

Past Activities

NAMLEF has participated in various activities which have yielded positive results for Muslims in Kenya and the whole country in general. These include but are not limited to the following:

Constitutional Review

NAMLEF participated in the Bomas of Kenya draft constitutional talks which aimed at coming up with a new constitutional dispensation for the country.

Referendum

NAMLEF mobilised Muslims to vote against the government friendly draft constitution which had ignored the views of Kenyans as propelled under the Bomas conference. This led to the defeat of the government fronted constitution in the 2005 referendum.

Somalia Crisis

In 2006, NAMLEF was in the delegation to Somalia on a fact finding mission on the Islamic Courts Union which were credited for bringing order to that country, at war for 16 years.

Renditioned Kenyans

NAMLEF was vocal against the government's anti-terror campaign. This was so when the government engaged in arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions of Muslims and their eventual unprecedented renditions to Somalia, Ethiopia and Guantanamo Bay. NAMLEF called for the respect of law on the issue as opposed to the government's witch-hunt of Muslims. NAMLEF continues to petition the government to correct the injustice meted on the 27 Kenyans who were languishing in foreign jails. So far 8  have been returned.

Muslims’ Political Participation—Memorandum of Understanding

Prior to the 2007 elections, and after much consultation, NAMLEF entered into MoU with Hon. Raila Odinga. NAMLEF would support the candidacy of Hon. Raila while in return, and upon his election as President, he would ensure good and sound governance of Kenya for the country's prosperity. Affirmative development action in Muslim dominated areas was a main feature to ensure that these areas were brought to par with the rest of the nation.

2007 Elections

NAMLEF actively participated in the 2007 elections where they supported ODM's Hon. Raila Odinga for the presidency. Member organisations at the grassroots were involved in rallying Muslims and Kenyans towards change of leadership by campaigning for ODM Civic and Parliamentary aspirants and Hon. Odinga for President. Currently, NAMLEF was a participant at different levels in the coalition government talks and different initiatives aimed at healing the country after the crisis following the general elections.

Government Engagement

After the 2008 elections, NAMLEF has been engaging the government in a positive way. The aim is to lobby the government to deliver appropriate service to Muslims areas where they were lacking. This venue of engagement also allows us to seek redress to injustices meted to Muslims and Muslim areas. Of great is the land issue where the Minister for lands was emphatic during the NAMLEF delegations' call on him that all land issues of grievance to the community be brought his attention for correction.

Challenges

A number of challenges present themselves in our effort to realise our goal. These challenges include:

Funds:

Given the great task that needs to be carried out, NAMLEF lacks sufficient funds to employ enough workforces both at the headquarters and at the regional level.

Marginalization:

Muslims have been historically marginalized and discriminated upon leading to their lagging behind in the political, social and economic spheres. To get out of this situation, heavy work and lobbying has been to done and the Muslim community has to rid itself of the inferiority perception.

Unity of purpose:

This area is of utmost importance as a united Muslim voice will assure Muslim better and faster results.

Poverty:

Majority of Muslims languish in poverty through design of past administrations. This has been a contributor to lagging educational standards disenabling the community the chance to compete effectively with the rest.