The selection process for appointing members to Kenya's Waqf Commission has progressed to the next phase, with a panel releasing a list of 35 shortlisted candidates out of 148 applicants.
The Waqf Commission plays a crucial role in managing Islamic charitable endowments, ensuring proper administration and compliance under the Waqf Act, 2022. The commission is tasked with registering Awqaf, managing Waqf properties, and supervising their effective use.
Shortlisted Candidates
The candidates come from various counties, reflecting Kenya's diverse Muslim community. Some of the notable shortlisted individuals include:
- Abdi Ibrahim Abdi (Wajir)
- Abdulrahman Manswab Mahsen (Mombasa)
- Abubakar Zubeir Athman (Lamu)
- Ahmed Ahmed Omar (Kilifi)
- Ali Abdullah Ibrahim (Machakos)
- Asman William Shariff (Trans Nzoia)
- Dr. Jadeed Moza Ally (Mombasa)
- Ramadhan Odhiambo Abdul (Homa Bay)
- Zainabu Zuwena (Nairobi)
The full list includes candidates from counties such as Mandera, Kitui, Garissa, Embu, Kisumu, Taita Taveta, Kwale, and others.
Next Steps and Community Involvement
The Muslim community is invited to provide any relevant information about the shortlisted candidates within 14 days. Submissions can be sent in writing to the Selection Panel Chairperson at the CBK Pensions Towers in Nairobi or via email. All hard copy submissions must be sealed and marked confidential.
The panel may conduct interviews with individuals who submit information on candidates to ensure a thorough vetting process.
About the Waqf Commission
The commission will comprise a chairperson and six members appointed by the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, based on recommendations from the Muslim community and government representatives. Its mandate is to safeguard Waqf assets, including land and buildings donated for religious, social, or charitable purposes within the Muslim faith.
