Africa-Press – Kenya. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has lauded the Shree Swaminarayan Community for its enduring spiritual, social and economic contribution to Kenya.
He described the community as a model of faith rooted in acceptance, compassion and togetherness.
Mudavadi was speaking while presiding over the 25th Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, held at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Parklands, Nairobi.
The event brought together religious leaders, disciples and members of the Hindu community to mark 25 years since the establishment of the temple, which has grown into a major spiritual and cultural centre in the country.
During the ceremony, Mudavadi praised the fundamental principles of the Swaminarayan religion, noting that its emphasis on unity and inclusivity strongly aligns with Kenya’s constitutional values.
He said the faith exemplifies discipline, acceptance for all, and the spirit of togetherness, values that resonate deeply with Kenya’s national ethos of unity in diversity.
“This is a great milestone and such commitment does deserve recognition that befits such a rich cultural and religious contribution towards development in Kenya,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary underscored the community’s significant economic impact, saying its contribution to the country is immeasurable.
He noted that many Kenyan nationals earn their livelihoods through companies owned and managed by members of the Swaminarayan community, spanning various sectors of the economy.
“The community’s economic contribution to Kenya is immeasurable. Many of our nationals derive their livelihoods from several companies owned and managed by community members,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi also highlighted the community’s strong commitment to charity and social responsibility.
He said he was particularly touched by the wide range of charitable missions undertaken by the Shree Swaminarayan Community across different fields of humanity, starting with education.
He singled out the community’s support for institutions such as the Gandhi Memorial College as an example of how faith-based organisations can complement government efforts in expanding access to education.
Beyond education, the Prime Cabinet Secretary noted the community’s contribution to sports, describing the Shree Swaminarayan Temple as playing an apex role in nurturing sporting talent.
He observed that a majority of Kenya’s national cricket players have passed through institutions associated with the temple, underscoring its role in developing youth potential and promoting social cohesion through sports.
“Let me just say it is indeed an honour to have joined you today. It underscores what is embedded in our Constitution – the constitutional right for all faiths,” Mudavadi said.
The spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, His Holiness Jitendriya Priyadasji Swamiji Maharaj, alongside senior disciples and members of the Shree Swaminarayan Gadi, attended the celebrations.
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Parklands was opened in December 2000 by His Divine Holiness Acharya Swamishree and is widely regarded as an architectural masterpiece.
Over the years, it has become a focal point for worship, cultural preservation and humanitarian work.
The Shree Swaminarayan Community in Kenya, primarily centred in Nairobi, has deep historical roots, with landmark institutions such as the East Africa Satsang Mandal established in the 1930s and 1940s, and the BAPS Mandir opened in 1999.
