10-year-old wins car in Garissa Qur’an contest

Abdikhalid Gedi Sheikh of Markaz Al-Bayan Madrassa recites a Quran vrse moments after being decalred the winner in the annual Garissa County Quran competition./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Abdikhalid Gedi Sheikh stands next to Health CS Aden Duale, his mother Hawa Aden and other religious leaders. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO.

Ten-year-old Abdikhalid Gedi Sheikh of Markaz Al-Bayan Madrassa was the surprise overall winner of the 16th annual Garissa county Qur’an competition.

The soft-spoken pupil outshone hundreds of contestants from across the county to clinch the top prize — a brand-new Toyota Succeed — awarded by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who was the chief guest at the ceremony.

A jubilant crowd erupted in cheers as Abdikhalid stepped forward to receive the car keys, which were handed to his mother, Hawa Aden, on his behalf.

“I am grateful to everyone, but most importantly to Allah,” the shy and visibly overwhelmed winner said in a brief acceptance speech.

His mother described the victory as a proud moment for the family.

“It is a big day for us. My son has always been disciplined, hardworking and focused. Today we are seeing the results,” she said.

Mahir Mohamed Yussuf, the first runner-up, was awarded a fully sponsored Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, while Rayan Ibrahim Yarow earned an Umrah pilgrimage.

Speaking during the colourful ceremony, Duale called on parents and guardians to play an active role in nurturing their children, stressing that faith-based teachings are critical in instilling strong moral values.

“Religious institutions have remained steadfast in shaping the moral fabric of our society. They are key partners in nurturing disciplined and responsible citizens,” he said.

He commended religious leaders for their dedication to mentoring the youth and pledged continued support for institutions offering spiritual guidance.

The ceremony drew religious and political leaders, parents and students from across Garissa county.

For 16 years, the annual initiative has promoted Islamic scholarship and spiritual growth among young people, providing a respected platform for excellence in Qur’an recitation. Judges included Sheikh Luqman Abdirahman Hussien (Kenya), Dr Ismail Abdirahman Mohamed (Sudan) and Dr Riyadh Abdullahi Al Absi (Yemen).

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Abdikhalid’s victory reflects more than individual brilliance — it highlights the growing cultural and social significance of Qur’an competitions in northern Kenya. The annual Garissa contest has evolved into a powerful platform that blends faith, scholarship and community recognition, rewarding discipline and memorisation with life-changing prizes. The presence of Health CS Aden Duale underscores the intersection between religion and public leadership in the region. Such events strengthen social cohesion, elevate religious education and inspire younger learners. Beyond the car and pilgrimages, the message is clear: moral instruction and academic excellence can attract both prestige and tangible rewards.