I'd like to expand on my comments regarding the kernel.
While the kernel is built and shipped in monolithic form, kernel modules may optionally be created and loaded. The tools are in place primarily as productivity aids for the Project's kernel developers.
There have been third party kernel modules from time to time. Now deprecated, emulators/kqemu was one example of a kernel module available as a port/package.
I am not aware of any kernel modules currently available for modern, supported releases of the OS.
It is possible to build a hardware driver as a kernel module. However, integration points for common components (e.g.: IC drivers) may make integration with the kernel an overly complex undertaking.
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