By Urban Shihemi, January 8,2025

Mombasa County Government has announced that it will host the third edition of the International Quran Memorization Competition during the holy month of Ramadhan in 2026.

The event, sponsored by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, will take place at Serani Sports Ground and is scheduled for March 7, 2026, according to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education and Digital Transformation, Dr. Mbwarali Kame.

Dr. Mbwarali revealed that this year’s edition promises heightened excitement, with the overall winner in the 30 Juzuu (full Qur’an) category set to receive a motor vehicle. Winners in other categories will also be awarded cash prizes.

Participants will compete in five categories, including memorization of 5 chapters, 10 chapters, 20 chapters, and the full Qur’an. The competition will feature contestants from Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, and Burundi.

Last year’s winners in the men and women full Qur’an categories received fully sponsored Hajj and Umrah packages alongside cash rewards, cementing the event’s status as one of the most prestigious Qur’an competitions in the region.

Since its inception in 2023, the competition has become a key highlight in Mombasa County’s Ramadhan calendar and continues to attract widespread participation and international recognition.

This year’s event is expected to host over 6,000 attendees and will be graced by ambassadors, high commissioners, and distinguished dignitaries from across East and Central Africa.