Riyadha, located on Lamu Island, is one of the most Prestigious Centres for Islamic studies in East Africa, having started off as a madrassa.

The Riyadha mosque college was founded in the late 19th century as an Islamic teaching institution catering for students from across East Africa. The teaching tradition is closely linked with similar institutions in Yemen and with its offshoots in other parts of East Africa.

Riyadha is known for hosting the annual Maulid Festival that brings people from different parts of the world.

The Kenya government has declared the Riyadha Mosque as a National Monument under the National Museums and Heritage Act, due to its historical interest.

The mosque whose construction dates back to 1892 has been hailed as a landmark historical site over its role in the propagation of Islam in the region.

Riyadha is known for producing Islamic scholars who have had a big impact in East Africa; and of maintaining a beautiful place of worship for the community.

Our Goals
  1. To develop Riyadha into a resource centre that nurtures Islamic & Integrated education in a multicultural environment
  2. To facilitate Islamic festivities, social welfare services, heritage awareness and conservation effectively
  3. To promote financial sustainability through prudent resource mobilization and development of partnerships.
  4. To develop Riyadha’s administration, governance & finance functions for effective management