JSC Appoints Hassan Omar Daffa as Kenya’s New Chief Kadhi After Competitive Recruitment
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Hassan Omar Daffa as Kenya’s new Chief Kadhi, bringing to an end a prolonged recruitment process to fill one of the country’s most important judicial offices serving the Muslim community.
The appointment, announced on Friday, November 13, 2026, follows the death of former Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdul Halim Hussein, whose passing in July 2025 left the office under temporary leadership.
Daffa, who previously served as a Principal Kadhi, emerged successful after a competitive selection process involving 14 applicants, nine of whom were shortlisted for interviews.
In announcing the appointment, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the office of the Chief Kadhi occupies a significant position within the Judiciary because of its responsibility in administering justice in matters governed by Muslim personal law.
The position also carries considerable religious and cultural importance, making the selection of its occupant a matter of interest beyond the Judiciary.
The JSC congratulated Daffa on his appointment, expressing confidence in the recruitment process and reaffirming its commitment to transparent, competitive and merit-based selection of judicial officers.
The Commission also recognised the contribution of Sukyan Hassan Omar, who had been serving as Acting Chief Kadhi during the transition period, ensuring that the courts continued operating following the death of Hussein.
Paying tribute to the former office holder, the Chief Justice described Hussein’s service as one characterised by integrity, humility and dedication to justice.
His death had created the need for a substantive appointment to restore permanent leadership at the top of the Kadhis’ Courts.
Academic background combines Sharia and conventional law
Daffa’s academic qualifications reflect a blend of Islamic jurisprudence and Kenya’s conventional legal framework, an important combination for an office responsible for interpreting and administering Muslim personal law.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Source Methodology in Islamic Jurisprudence and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sharia and Islamic Studies, both obtained from Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.
He also possesses a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Mount Kenya University and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
His academic background gives him grounding in Islamic legal principles as well as the wider legal framework governing judicial administration in Kenya.
The combination is particularly relevant given the constitutional position of the Kadhis’ Courts, which operate within Kenya’s Judiciary while exercising jurisdiction over specific questions of Muslim law.
His appointment is therefore expected to bring together his experience in Islamic jurisprudence and conventional legal training in guiding the administration of the courts.
How the recruitment process unfolded
The appointment followed a recruitment exercise that began on January 16, 2026, when the JSC formally advertised the vacancy.
The Commission subsequently undertook public participation in June, inviting members of the Muslim community and other stakeholders to give their views on the qualifications, leadership qualities and professional attributes expected of the next Chief Kadhi.
The engagement brought together representatives from several Muslim organisations, including the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), Muslims Professional League Africa, Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC), Jamia Mosque and the Association of Muslim Lawyers.
Academics and other stakeholders also participated in the consultations, reflecting the importance of involving the wider Muslim community in identifying the qualities required of the office holder.
The recruitment process attracted 14 applications, with nine candidates eventually shortlisted after the Commission assessed their qualifications.
Interviews were conducted on November 2 and 3, 2026, with observers drawn from the Muslim community invited to witness the proceedings.
The participation of community representatives was intended to strengthen transparency and public confidence in the selection process.
By involving religious organisations and other stakeholders, the Commission sought to ensure that the appointment reflected both professional competence and an understanding of the religious and cultural responsibilities associated with the office.Citizen Digital+2
What the appointment means for Kenya’s Muslim community
The Chief Kadhi occupies a distinctive position within Kenya’s judicial structure, overseeing the country’s Kadhis’ Courts, which determine disputes involving Muslim personal law.
Under Article 170 of the Constitution, Kadhis’ Courts have jurisdiction to determine questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance.
However, their jurisdiction is constitutionally limited to proceedings in which all parties profess the Muslim religion and submit to the jurisdiction of the courts.
This means the courts provide a specialised judicial avenue through which Muslim communities can resolve disputes involving family relationships, matrimonial matters and succession according to Islamic law.
The Chief Kadhi provides leadership and oversight within this judicial structure, helping ensure consistency and effective administration of justice.
For many Muslim families, the courts are particularly important in resolving sensitive disputes involving marriage, divorce, maintenance and inheritance.
The appointment of a substantive Chief Kadhi is therefore significant in ensuring continuity, institutional stability and public confidence in the administration of justice.
Daffa will be expected to provide leadership to the Kadhis’ Courts while maintaining the constitutional and professional standards required of judicial officers.
His responsibilities will also involve addressing administrative challenges and ensuring that the courts remain accessible and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.
Succeeding a respected judicial and religious figure
Daffa takes over an office previously occupied by Sheikh Abdul Halim Hussein, whose death in July 2025 created a leadership gap within the Kadhis’ Courts.
Hussein was appointed Chief Kadhi in 2023 and served until his death, leaving behind a legacy that the JSC acknowledged during Friday’s announcement.
Following his passing, Sukyan Hassan Omar was appointed Acting Chief Kadhi to ensure continuity in the administration of the office as the Commission prepared to recruit a substantive office holder.
The acting arrangement helped maintain the operations of the courts during a period when the Judiciary was undertaking the lengthy process of identifying Hussein’s successor.
The JSC expressed appreciation to Sukyan for providing leadership during the transition, recognising his contribution to maintaining institutional continuity.
Daffa’s appointment now marks the conclusion of that transitional period and the beginning of a new chapter for the institution.
A new chapter for the Kadhis’ Courts
The appointment comes at a time when public confidence, accessibility and efficiency remain central concerns in the administration of justice across Kenya.
Like other judicial institutions, the Kadhis’ Courts face the responsibility of ensuring that disputes are handled professionally, fairly and without unnecessary delays.
The new Chief Kadhi will therefore be expected to balance the religious and cultural expectations associated with the office with the constitutional principles governing the Judiciary.
His legal qualifications, experience within the Kadhis’ Courts and training in Islamic jurisprudence will be important as he assumes the leadership responsibilities.
The recruitment process also demonstrated the importance of public participation in appointments involving institutions that serve communities with distinct religious and cultural interests.
By opening the process to stakeholder input and inviting community observers during interviews, the JSC sought to strengthen confidence in the selection of the new office holder.
About The Author
