President William Ruto has confirmed that the establishment of the Muslim Endowment Fund, commonly known as Waqf, will be completed by September 2026. The announcement was made during a meeting with Muslim sheikhs at State House, Nairobi, on August 5.
Ruto acknowledged that the initial efforts to set up the fund faced delays due to the legal requirement for extensive public participation and awareness among Muslims nationwide. He stated that this phase is now complete, paving the way for the fund's formal launch next month.
Background and Legal Framework
The Muslim Endowment Fund is based on the Waqf Act of 2022, which creates a legal structure for managing permanent charitable, religious, and social endowments under Islamic law. Waqf assets include properties such as land, mosques, schools, cemeteries, and commercial buildings, with proceeds supporting community welfare.
Waqf Commission Formation
The process to establish the Waqf Commission, the body that will oversee the fund, is underway. The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) opened public consultation on July 30, inviting feedback on 35 shortlisted candidates for eight commission positions. The public had 14 days to submit views, which will inform the final appointments.
Once operational, the commission will be responsible for:
- Registering and managing Waqf properties
- Supervising trustees
- Protecting endowment assets
- Ensuring assets are used according to donors’ intentions
Significance
The establishment of this fund addresses long-standing calls by Muslim leaders for a formal mechanism to improve oversight and accountability of Waqf assets in Kenya. The fund is expected to enhance transparency and ensure that endowments effectively benefit the Muslim community and the public.
