Abdul Mahedi Juma Hajee

Abdul Mahedi joined his father in the business as a young, driven and charismatic entrepreneur. Abdul, as he was affectionately known by most, was an excellent speaker and had a masterful command of the English language. He was often called to deliver speeches, which were invariably off the cuff, at public and community functions. Abdul was appointed the correspondent of the British High Commission, and was the first non-white member of the Eldoret Municipal Council, as well as the prestigious Eldoret Club. He was also a founding chairman of the Farmers Combine Association, a strategic alliance initiative that encouraged joint purchasing of farm inputs by the 25 largest Khoja Ismaili farmers in the region. He was the Chairman of the finance committee of Moi girls school in Eldoret.

In 1993 even when he was unwell in hospital, cheques used to be brought to him for signature, he commanded such respect. Abdul Mahedi was a founder member of various social clubs: Lions, Masonic Lodge etc.

He also established the Aga Khan nursery school in Eldoret initially through his own financial contribution and of his friends. The first teacher to be recruited was his wife, Malek who taught free of charge before being replaced by a Mrs. Gibson.

Upholding the ethic of acquiring the best education at the time, Abdul Mahedi’s children were sent to Hill school in Eldoret, later Duke of York school (now Lenana school in Nairobi) and Highlands school (now Moi Girls) in Eldoret.

Juma Hajee was appointed Mukhi of the Eldoret Jamat Khana which was built in 1936, and remained in leadership positions for over 20 years. He was succeeded in this role by his son Abdul Mahedi who continued this tradition of voluntary community service at various levels in the community structure. His children, too, have followed in his footsteps till today.