The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Hassan Omar Daffa as Kenya’s new Chief Kadhi.
In a statement on November 13, the JSC also thanked Sukyan Hassan Omar, who served as Acting Chief Kadhi, for maintaining continuity during the transition.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa as the Chief Kadhi Of the Republic of Kenya, pursuant to Article 172 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” read part of the announcement.
The appointment follows the death of Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein, whose tenure the Commission described as marked by integrity, humility and commitment to justice.
JSC said the recruitment process began on January 16, 2026, when it declared the vacancy and invited applications. The Commission received 14 applications, shortlisted nine candidates and conducted interviews on November 2 and 3, 2026.
The recruitment process also involved public participation in June 2026, allowing members of the Muslim community and other stakeholders to give their views on the qualities and leadership expected of the next Chief Kadhi.
The Commission further invited observers from the Muslim community to witness the interviews as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
Hassan Omar Daffa Career Background
Before his appointment, Daffa served as a Principal Kadhi. He joined the Judiciary in 2015 and is currently serving in Bura Fafi Kadhis Court.
Between 2023 and 2026, he also served as Vice Secretary General of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA).
He previously worked as a Senior Resident Kadhi and Resident Kadhi between 2015 and 2025. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a Sharia Audit Manager at First Community Bank and was also a part-time lecturer at UMMA University between 2011 and 2018.
Academically, Daffa holds a Master’s Degree in Source Methodology in Islamic Jurisprudence from Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia, obtained in 2010. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sharia and Islamic Studies from the same institution in 2004.
Also Read: JSC Unveils Nine Candidates in Race for Chief Kadhi Position
In 2014, he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mount Kenya University before completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Law at the Kenya School of Law in 2017.
He also holds a Diploma in Arabic Language from the Institute of Teaching Arabic Language to Speakers of Other Languages at Umm Al-Qura University.
Daffa is a Certified Secretary accredited by KASNEB and a member of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association.
Also Read: JSC Names Robert Kibet Kibor New Registrar After 14 Years at Commission
Role of Chief Kadhi In Kenya
The Chief Kadhi is the head of the Kadhis’ Courts in Kenya and serves as the senior judicial authority overseeing the administration of Islamic law within the country’s justice system.
The office oversees the operations of Kadhis’ Courts across the country, including court registries and administrative functions, in consultation with the responsible magistrates.
Additionally, the Chief Kadhi also presides over disputes involving Muslim personal law, particularly matters relating to marriage, divorce and inheritance.
In addition, the officeholder solemnises and registers Muslim marriages, supervises the pronouncement of divorces and ensures that the relevant legal records are properly maintained.
The Chief Kadhi is also mandated to sign official affidavits, declarations and legal agreements relating to Islamic personal and family matters.
The office also maintains accurate arbitration records and submits statutory returns on registered Muslim marriages and divorces to the Office of the Attorney-General.
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