By Urban Shihemi, September 27, 2025  Al Yusra Restaurant in Nairobi has made history by becoming the first restaurant in the country to be awarded the prestigious Halal Assurance and Liability Quality System (HAL-Q) certification from the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. The certification, officially issued by H.E. Morakot Janemathukorn, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kenya, recognizes Al Yusra’s effective implementation of a comprehensive Halal management system in its food processing operations. Al Yusra achieved a 75 percent pass mark during the rigorous assessment process, reflecting its commitment to upholding internationally recognized Halal standards.  "This certification is a testament to Al Yusra's unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety, and Halal integrity," said Abdi Wahab Maalim, CEO, Al-Yusra Restaurant. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized by a world-renowned institution like The Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University and to set a new benchmark for Halal-certified dining in the region." The HAL-Q certificate is valid for two years, during which the restaurant will be required to maintain strict compliance with the quality and assurance benchmarks set by the Halal Science Center. Speaking during the award ceremony, Ambassador Janemathukorn lauded the milestone as a step forward in strengthening food safety and quality assurance. "We are pleased that this is the first Restaurant in Africa that has received the Halal Assurance and Liability Quality System (HAL-Q) ," said Janemathukorn, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Kenya. This achievement places Al Yusra at the forefront of the Halal hospitality industry in Kenya and sets a precedent for other establishments seeking to enhance consumer confidence through internationally recognized certification. Halal means things that Muslim can consume safely on both mind and body. Therefore, halal products must be without contamination and prohibited substances that are designated by Islam that consuming them would harm one’s faith. Nowadays, the increasing complexity of raw material and manufacturing processes pose more risk of contamination of Haram, thus Muslim consumers are becoming more dependent on safe halal standards. For this reason, quality halal certification has become one of the most important factors in building consumer’s trust. Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Center, was founded by Associate Prof. Dr. Winai Dahlan.