The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Hon. Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for appointment to the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has annouced his nomination, marking the conclusion of a recruitment process to fill a vacancy occasioned by the passing of the late Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim.
The nomination, announced on 29th April 2026, has now been transmitted to the President for formal appointment in line with Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution.
“I am therefore pleased to announce that the Judicial Service Commission has nominated Hon. Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for appointment to the Supreme Court of Kenya. The nomination is being transmitted to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya for formal appointment in accordance with Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” read the statement.
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Process of Nomination of Mohamed Warsame as Supreme Court Judge
In her emphasized, Martha Koome stated that the selection process was conducted transparently, competitively, and in strict adherence to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Judicial Service Act.
Six applications were received following the advertisement of the position on 28th January 2026, with five candidates shortlisted for interviews held on 28th and 29th April 2026 at the Milimani Law Courts.
The JSC underscored that the recruitment process was open and inclusive, with interviews conducted in public and broadcast live so citizens could follow the proceedings in real time.
“Prior to the interviews, the Commission engaged stakeholders drawn from the legal profession, academia, civil society, faith-based organisations, the Judiciary, the media, and government. Members of the public were also invited to submit any information of interest regarding the candidates. Comprehensive background checks and vetting were conducted in collaboration with relevant constitutional bodies and security agencies,” the Commission stated.
Ahead of the interviews, the Commission engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including the legal profession, academia, civil society, faith-based organizations, the Judiciary, the media, and government representatives.
Members of the public were also invited to submit information relevant to the candidates, while comprehensive background checks were conducted in collaboration with constitutional and security agencies.
The JSC noted that the process was guided by principles of merit, integrity, fairness, inclusivity, and regional balance.
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Streamlining of Judicial Service
In announcing the nomination, the Commission expressed confidence in Justice Warsame’s suitability for the apex court, citing his professional competence and integrity.
“The Commission is fully satisfied that Hon. Justice Warsame demonstrated the qualities that the Constitution demands of a Judge of the Supreme Court — professional competence, unimpeachable integrity, fairness, sound judgment, a genuine and demonstrable commitment to the rule of law and public service,” the statement read.
The JSC further highlighted that his legal expertise and breadth of experience position him to contribute significantly to the development of Kenya’s jurisprudence at the highest judicial level.
Earlier, JSC nominated 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, 24 to the High Court, and 13 to the Environment and Land Court, a total of 52 judges.
The Commission stressed that increased judicial staffing must translate into improved service delivery, including faster case disposal and enhanced access to justice.
The Commission said the reform aims to strengthen accountability while preserving judicial independence, emphasizing that Kenyans remain the ultimate beneficiaries and financiers of the justice system.
