Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has announced eight vacancies, inviting suitable candidates to fill positions of members of the Waqf Commission in fresh leadership changes.
The invitation comes barely three months after President William Ruto accused former AG Justin Muturi of being incompetent in how he handled legal matters concerning the establishment of the Waqf Commission.
The Waqf Commission plays a crucial role in the management and regulation of Islamic charitable endowments (waqf). A waqf refers to assets, such as land, money, or buildings, donated for religious or social welfare purposes, intended to benefit communities in areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
In March, while hosting Muslim leaders for the Ramadhan Iftar, President Ruto assured the leaders that the commission would be established, blaming the delay on former AG Muturi. He was responding to calls by the leaders over delays in operationalising the endowment fund despite an existing Act (Waqf Act, 2022).
“I had a problem with the AG who was there before, he was fairly incompetent. But now, I have a very competent lady in the position, and I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” the President said on Tuesday.
In a quick rejoinder and move to defend his tenure, Muturi said that while the act exists, it does not provide for the creation of a Muslim Endowment Fund. He insisted that it is a personal initiative by any individual who professes Islam.
“Under the Waqf Act no.8 of 2022, there’s no provision for a “Muslim Endowment Fund. It must be understood that a Waqf is a religious, charitable or benevolent endowment by a person who professes the Muslim faith and is managed by the Waqf Commission,” the former AG said.
The eight are expected to be the members of the commission. Applicants vying for the eight vacancies must possess proven expertise in Islamic law, governance, financial oversight, and legal administration.
Oduor revealed that the selection criteria will emphasise professional integrity, as the government aims to reposition the commission as a model institution for trust management and accountability.
''One alim who shall be well versed in Islamic jurisprudence, One person who shall be prominent in business or entrepreneurship, six persons who shall be knowledgeable and experienced in law, accounting, land economics, social work, finance, investment, architecture, and administration,'' the AG revealed.
Their main functions in the commission will include registering, managing, and supervising waqf properties, ensuring they are used efficiently and in accordance with the law. It also plays a key role in policy formulation, training trustees, and raising awareness about waqf matters.
Additionally, the Commission collects zakat and other charitable contributions from Muslims, establishes necessary structures for effective operations, and implements programs to improve governance. Interested candidates have been encouraged to visit the AG website for online application before Monday, June 9.
