Court of Appeal Judge Justice Katwa Kigen is among six applicants seeking appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
On February 25, the Judicial Service Commission announced that it had received six applications for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya following the close of submissions on February 17, 2026. The position fell vacant after the death of Judge Mohamed Ibrahim in late 2025.
Katwa Kigen Among JSC Applicants
Other applicants are Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed, Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott, former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) board chairperson Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, and Lilian Wanjiku Wachira (Advocate).
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) advertised one (1) vacancy for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya on 27th January 2026. By closure of the advert on 17th February 2026, the Commission received a total of six (6) applications,” read part of the statement.
The Commission stated that it will conduct a stakeholder engagement forum on March 23, 2026, ahead of the shortlisting process.
Interview dates for shortlisted candidates will be announced thereafter.
The vacancy for a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya arose following the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim, who passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness while receiving treatment in hospital.
His death created an open seat on the Supreme Court bench, prompting the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to declare the vacancy and invite applications to fill it.
Also Read: Katwa Kigen Sent to Nyeri as CJ Koome Deploys Newly Recruited Court of Appeal Judges [LIST]
Katwa’s Quest for Judicial Post
Justice Katwa has consistently sought appointments to higher judicial offices.
On January 22, JSC named Senior Counsels Katwa Kigen and Ahmed Issack Hassan among 15 nominees selected by the commission for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal.
According to JSC, candidates were evaluated on professional competence, written and oral communication skills, integrity, sound judgement, legal and life experience, as well as a demonstrable commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.
On February 14, Chief Justice Martha Koome assigned Justice Katwa to the regional appellate bench that handles cases from Nyeri, Embu, Laikipia, and neighboring counties.
Also Read: JSC Interviews Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna for Court of Appeal Judge Post
Salary Package for Supreme Court Judges
According to the JSC, the position entails serving in the Supreme Court of Kenya, exercising all powers vested in a Supreme Court judge under the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and other applicable laws.
The tenure of office allows for retirement at 70 years, with eligibility for early retirement from 65 years.
Additionally, JSC noted that the gross monthly remuneration package for the position (excluding benefits) is a minimum of KSh956,192 and a maximum of KSh 1,268,996, as provided under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines.
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