Residents of Mombasa on Friday evening came together for a colourful street iftar aimed at promoting unity and sharing meals during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event, organized by swahilipot Hub in partnership with partners and  community stakeholders, attracted hundreds of people who gathered to break the fast in an atmosphere marked by generosity and togetherness.

Speaking during the event held at the historic and iconic Pembe za Ndovu  Mahmoud Noor, Chief Mentor at Swahilipot Hub, said the initiative was designed to bring people together regardless of religious background.

“We are here together with other stakeholders to host a street iftar. Volunteers have come with different food items to share. The aim is to bring people together and promote unity,” said Noor.

He described the event as a pilot project, noting that organizers plan to hold another street iftar next Friday and are encouraging other cities across the country to adopt similar initiatives.

“This is just a pilot. Next Friday we will also be hosting another one. We are encouraging other cities in the country to also do the same,” he added.

Noor said the organizers were targeting at least 1,500 people, starting with snacks for the first edition, with hopes of expanding the scale in future events.

"For a start today we will begin with just snacks. We are targeting 1,500 people. This is not just for Muslims alone but all of us. We even have our Catholic brothers and sisters who can join,” he said.

He emphasized that the initiative seeks to support vulnerable residents who may struggle to afford a meal to break their fast.

"We have so many people who have fasted but do not know what they will eat to break the fast,” Noor noted.

Also present was Mbarwali Kame, the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Education, who lauded the initiative, saying it reflects the county’s long-standing culture of hospitality.

“Mombasa is known for its hospitality. This is the month for giving as our religion teaches us,” said Kame.

He expressed optimism that more partners would come on board to support future editions of the street iftar.

"We are expecting that more partners will join us in the future,” she added.

The event was also attended by Mohammed Machele, the Member of Parliament for Mvita, and Ali Wario, the Garsen MP, among other leaders and community representatives who joined residents in breaking the fast.

The street iftar highlighted the spirit of Ramadan  compassion, charity and unity  while reinforcing Mombasa’s reputation as a city that embraces diversity and communal harmony.