President William Ruto has announced that the establishment of the Muslim Endowment Fund, also known as Waqf, will be completed by September.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking during a meeting with sheikhs at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, August 5, the President explained that although the necessary laws had been created as requested by the Muslim community, the initial establishment process faced challenges.

According to Ruto, adequate public participation and awareness exercises among Muslims across the country were required before implementation could proceed.

“The first process encountered some obstacles because the law required us to conduct sufficient public participation and ensure that Muslims across the country were made aware of it. That work is now complete. By September, next month, Waqf will have been finalised, and the stipulated procedures can then be followed as Islam recommends,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

Waqf is an Islamic endowment system where assets are permanently set aside for religious, charitable or community purposes, with their benefits directed towards public good.

The anticipated fund is anchored on the Waqf Act, 2022, which established a legal framework for managing permanent charitable, religious and social endowments under Islamic law.

The announcement comes as the process of constituting the Waqf Commission, which will oversee the fund, enters the public participation stage.

On July 30, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) invited members of the public to submit views on 35 shortlisted candidates seeking appointment to the commission.

The public was given 14 days to provide feedback on the candidates seeking the eight available positions.

The submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel before successful candidates are recommended for appointment in line with the law.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke