NAIROBI, KENYA — In a landmark move for Kenya’s judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially nominated Hon. Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The announcement, made today, April 29, 2026, follows a rigorous two-day interview process held at the Milimani Law Courts. Justice Warsame’s name has been transmitted to His Excellency the President for formal appointment in accordance with Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution.
A Vacancy Left by a Founding Jurist
The recruitment process was necessitated by the passing of the late Hon. Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, a founding member of the Supreme Court. Justice Ibrahim, who passed away in late 2025, was remembered by the Commission as a “pioneer and a jurist of rare integrity” whose dedication to constitutionalism set an enduring standard for the Kenyan bench.
Following the declaration of a vacancy on January 13, 2026, the JSC received six applications, ultimately shortlisting five candidates for the final stage.
Transparency in the Selection Process
The interviews, conducted on April 28th and 29th, were a hallmark of civic transparency. In a bid to maintain public trust, the proceedings were broadcast live, allowing Kenyans to follow the vetting of the nation’s potential top judges in real-time.
Prior to the oral interviews, the JSC engaged a wide array of stakeholders, including:
- The legal profession and academia
- Civil society and faith-based organizations
- Government and security agencies for comprehensive background checks
“The Commission is fully satisfied that Hon. Justice Warsame demonstrated the qualities that the Constitution demands—professional competence, unimpeachable integrity, and sound judgment,” stated Chief Justice Martha Koome, Chairperson of the JSC.
Unprecedented Judicial Expansion
The nomination of Justice Warsame comes during a year of historic growth for the Kenyan Judiciary. Chief Justice Koome highlighted that 52 judges have been appointed across three superior courts in 2026 alone—the largest expansion in recent history. This includes:
- 15 Judges to the Court of Appeal (appointed in January)
- 24 Judges to the High Court
- 13 Judges to the Environment and Land Court
This “judicial surge” is intended to address the depth of Kenya’s justice needs by reducing case backlogs and ensuring the expeditious disposal of matters.A New Era of Accountability
In a significant policy shift aimed at bolstering public confidence, the JSC also announced that starting July 1, 2026, the Judiciary will begin publishing individual performance data for all Judges and Judicial Officers.
This move toward radical transparency is designed to ensure that the “ultimate consumers and financiers of justice”—the Kenyan people—can hold the bench accountable for its productivity and efficiency.About the Nominee
Justice Mohamed Warsame brings a wealth of experience to the apex court. Having served as a Judge of the Court of Appeal and a former representative to the JSC, he is widely recognized for his depth of legal knowledge and his “unwavering commitment to the rule of law.”
As Justice Warsame prepares to take his seat on the highest bench, the JSC extended its gratitude to the public and the secretariat, led by Chief Registrar Hon. Winfridah Mokaya, for ensuring a process that was as inclusive as it was rigorous.
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