JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION INITIATES STRUCTURED LEGAL PROCESS TO APPOINT SUCCESSOR FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THE CHIEF OF KADHI

The death of Kenya’s Chief Kadhi sets in motion a legal and administrative process led by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appoint a new officeholder. This process is stipulated in Article 170 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Kadhi’s Courts Act.
The Chief Kadhi heads the Kadhi’s Courts, which handle matters of Islamic personal law. Upon the death of the officeholder, the JSC officially declares the position vacant. This is the first formal step required to initiate recruitment.
To ensure continuity, the JSC may appoint a senior Kadhi to serve in an acting capacity while the replacement process takes place. The next step is advertising the vacant post. The commission places public notice in at least two national newspapers and on its official platforms.
This advert outlines the eligibility criteria and application deadline. Candidates must be Kenyan citizens, profess the Islamic faith, and be qualified to serve as a Kadhi.
Qualification includes training in Islamic law, especially in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, as well as good moral standing in the Muslim community.
Once applications are received, the JSC shortlists candidates who meet the requirements. Those shortlisted are invited for public interviews.