The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing judicial reforms.
In a statement issued on April 29, 2026, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome announced that the Commission had concluded a competitive recruitment and vetting process to fill the vacancy left by the late Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, a founding member of the apex court who passed away earlier this year.
The vacancy was declared on January 13, 2026, with applications invited later that month. Six candidates applied, and five were shortlisted for public interviews held at the Milimani Law Courts on April 28 and 29. The proceedings were broadcast live, allowing Kenyans to follow the selection process in real time.
According to the JSC, the recruitment process included extensive stakeholder engagement and public participation, as well as comprehensive background checks conducted in collaboration with constitutional bodies and security agencies.
The Commission emphasized that the exercise adhered strictly to constitutional principles, including merit, integrity, inclusivity, and regional balance.
Justice Warsame was ultimately selected for his “professional competence, unimpeachable integrity, fairness, and sound judgment,” the Commission said, adding that his experience and legal expertise position him to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s jurisprudence.
The nomination has now been forwarded to the President for formal appointment in line with constitutional requirements.
The announcement comes amid a broader expansion of Kenya’s judiciary. Earlier this year, the JSC oversaw the nomination and appointment of 15 Court of Appeal judges and has also recommended 24 High Court judges and 13 Environment and Land Court judges, who are expected to be sworn in soon.
In total, 52 judges will have been appointed across three superior courts in 2026—the largest such expansion in recent years.
Justice Koome noted that the increased judicial capacity is intended to improve service delivery, reduce case backlogs, and enhance access to justice.
She also announced a new transparency measure: beginning July 1, 2026, the Judiciary will publish individual performance data for judges and judicial officers in a structured framework designed to maintain accountability while safeguarding judicial independence.
“The Judiciary remains accountable to the people of Kenya, in whose name judicial authority is exercised,” she said.
The JSC reiterated its commitment to building an independent, efficient, and transparent judicial system that meets the country’s growing demand for justice.
