Search for new Chief Kadhi begins as JSC advertises key judicial posts

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has opened the search for a new Chief Kadhi, following the recent death of Sheikh Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, which left vacant one of the most important constitutional offices serving Kenya’s Muslim community.

In a vacancy notice published this week, the JSC said it is seeking to fill one Chief Kadhi position, marking the start of a competitive recruitment process.

“The Judicial Service Commission invites applications from qualified persons to fill the position of Chief Kadhi,” the commission said.

Following Sheikh Athman’s death in July 2025, the JSC appointed Senior Principal Kadhi Sukyan Omar Hassan as Acting Chief Kadhi.

The acting appointment is temporary and remains in force until a substantive appointment is made, in line with the Constitution and the Kadhi’s Courts Act.

The Chief Kadhi’s office is established under Article 170 of the Constitution and has jurisdiction over personal law matters, including marriage, divorce and inheritance, for Muslims who submit to the Kadhi’s Courts.

The office also provides administrative leadership to Kadhis serving in courts across the country.

According to the JSC, a person appointed as Chief Kadhi must be a professing Muslim of high moral character and integrity, and must hold a degree in Islamic law (Sharia) or its equivalent from a recognised institution.

In addition, the candidate must have at least 10 years’ experience as a Kadhi, Deputy Kadhi, or in legal practice or teaching related to Islamic law.

“The Commission selects candidates on merit through fair and open competition from the widest range of eligible candidates,” the JSC said.

In the same advertisement, the commission also declared vacancies for three other senior positions: Registrar, Judicial Service Commission, Assistant Director, ICT (Security) and Assistant Director, ICT (Infrastructure), each with one available post.

Interested applicants have been directed to the JSC jobs portal for detailed job descriptions and application procedures.

The commission said all applications must be submitted by 5 February 2026 at 5.00pm.