8 Nominees Proposed for Appointment to Waqf Commission

The Office of the Attorney General has announced that a selection panel has submitted its report recommending eight nominees for appointment as members of the Waqf Commission.

In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the Office said the recommended nominees represent religious scholarship, business and professional expertise.

It added that the proposed composition is intended to strengthen the governance and administration of waqf properties.

"The recommended nominees comprise one alim who is a Muslim scholar well versed in Islamic jurisprudence; one prominent businessperson or entrepreneur; and six persons possessing relevant professional or technical knowledge and experience.

"This composition is intended to bring together the religious scholarship, professional competence and technical expertise necessary to support the effective governance and administration of awqaf in Kenya," the statement read.

According to the Office, the selection panel received 148 applications, shortlisted 35 candidates and conducted interviews at the Attorney-General's Chambers in Nairobi between September 14 and 18.

It also invited members of the Muslim community to submit their views on the shortlisted candidates, receiving 39 written submissions.

"The selection exercise attracted 148 applications, from which 35 candidates were shortlisted and subsequently interviewed between the 14th and 18th of September 2026 at the Attorney-General's Chambers in Nairobi. 

"In addition, the Panel received 39 written submissions following an invitation to members of the Muslim community to submit their views on the shortlisted candidates," the statement added.

The Office said the assessment involved in-person interviews and practical exercises tailored to the different nominee categories. 

The panel also verified candidates' supporting documents and statutory clearances before scoring and evaluating their suitability for the positions.

"The assessment process comprised in-person interviews and practical exercises tailored to the respective nominee categories. The Panel further reports that it verified the requisite supporting documentation and statutory clearances before undertaking the scoring and evaluation of candidates," the statement further read.

According to the Office, the panel further assessed candidates' knowledge of the relevant legal framework and their compliance with constitutional leadership and integrity requirements.

"The assessment considered the candidates' suitability, knowledge of the applicable statutory framework, and compliance with the leadership and integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution," the statement noted.

The Office said beyond recommending nominees for appointment, the panel proposed measures aimed at improving the administration and management of awqaf, including digitising records on waqf properties, ownership titles, leases, trustees, beneficiaries, income, liabilities and disputes.

The report also recommended the timely development of rules and regulations to support the implementation of the relevant Act, including appropriate registration and reporting frameworks.

"These recommendations provide a useful foundation for strengthening institutional accountability, improving the stewardship of waqf property and enhancing public confidence in the administration of endowed assets for the benefit of their intended beneficiaries," the statement concluded.

The Waqf Commission is mandated to register all awqaf, administer and manage waqf properties, supervise their effective management, ensure implementation of the Waqf Act, and formulate policies.

It is also mandated to collect zakat and other charitable contributions from Muslims, develop training programmes for trustees, and promote public awareness on waqf matters, among other functions.

The Waqf Act provides that the commission shall comprise the Public Trustee and eight members appointed by the Attorney General based on recommendations from a Selection Panel.