Applications now open for Waqf Commissioners, deadline lapses in 14 Days

Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, Chairperson of the Nomination Panel for Members of the Waqf Commission, has issued a 14-day notice for individuals interested in joining the commission to submit their applications for nomination.

Applicants are required to obtain clearances from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Higher Education Loans Board, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and a registered Credit Reference Bureau.

Successful candidates will serve on the commission for a renewable term of five years.

"The deadline for submitting applications shall be fourteen days from the date of publication of this notice," states the notice published on August 9.

The commission is established under the Waqf Act of 2002, which mandates that its membership shall include the Public Trustee and eight members appointed by the Attorney-General upon the recommendation of the selection panel.

The current selection panel, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Lethome Asmani, was appointed last year to oversee the nomination process.

According to the Waqf Act, the selection panel must seek input from the Muslim community regarding the shortlisted candidates before making its recommendations to the Attorney-General, ensuring that the final list is representative of gender, persons living with disabilities, and youth.

Waqf commissioners are responsible for administering properties and assets, including money, set aside by charitable Muslims, known as Awaqf, to assist other Muslims across the country.

The commission is tasked with registering all Awaqf and administering and managing them effectively for charitable purposes. It is also responsible for developing and facilitating continuous training programs to enhance the effectiveness of trustees and raise awareness of waqf matters.

Additionally, the commissioners are mandated to competitively recruit a Director General, who will serve as the commission's accounting officer. This officer will be responsible for managing the commission's income and expenditure, overseeing its assets and liabilities, and acting as the commission's secretary.