NAIROBI, Kenya — The Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) has declared a vacancy for the position of Chief Kadhi of Kenya, opening applications for one of the most constitutionally significant offices within the country’s judicial system.
In an advertisement published on Friday, January 16, the JSC invited qualified candidates to apply for the post, alongside other senior positions including Registrar, Judiciary Service Commission, Assistant Director, ICT (Security), and Assistant Director, ICT (Infrastructure).
The commission directed interested applicants to submit their applications through the official JSC jobs portal, noting that detailed job descriptions and requirements for appointment are available online. Applications must be submitted by February 5, 2026, at 5.00 p.m.
“Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted. Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification,” the commission warned.
Constitutional role of the Chief Kadhi
The position of Chief Kadhi is established under Article 170 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), which provides for Kadhi’s Courts to determine questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce, and inheritance, where all parties profess the Islamic faith and submit to the jurisdiction of the court.
As head of the Kadhis’ Courts, the Chief Kadhi plays both judicial and administrative roles, overseeing the work of Kadhis nationwide while ensuring adherence to constitutional principles, judicial independence, and access to justice within the Muslim community.
Legal experts say the appointment is particularly significant given the growing caseload in Kadhi’s Courts and ongoing efforts by the Judiciary to enhance efficiency, consistency, and public confidence in faith-based courts operating within the constitutional framework.
The vacancy follows the death of Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein, who served as Chief Kadhi until his passing in July 2025, barely two years after his appointment.
Chief Justice Martha Koome announced Sheikh Hussein’s death at the time, describing him as a principled jurist and a unifying figure within the Judiciary.
“Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein served the Judiciary and the people of Kenya with unwavering dedication, humility, and integrity,” Koome said in her statement. “As Chief Kadhi, he was a champion of justice, fairness, and equity, particularly in matters of personal law within the Muslim community.”
She added that his death was a profound loss to the Judiciary and the nation, noting his role in promoting peaceful coexistence, respect for diversity, and harmony.
Sheikh Hussein had been appointed in July 2023, replacing Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, who retired after serving for 12 years.
The advertisement forms part of a broader staffing exercise by the JSC aimed at strengthening institutional capacity within the Judiciary, particularly in administration and digital infrastructure.
The inclusion of senior ICT positions reflects ongoing efforts to improve court automation, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery, amid increasing reliance on virtual hearings and electronic case management systems.
