The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya.
Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday, July 17, stated that the commission picked Hussein after interviewing the five candidates shortlisted for the position.
“Following deliberations and careful consideration of the various candidates, JSC has appointed Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya,” said Koome.
The JSC advertised for a vacancy in the position of Chief Kadhi on 14th April 2023.
Moreover, this was after former Chief Kadhi, Ahmed Muhdhar, term’s ended in December 2022.
Adulhalim will serve as the eleventh Chief Kadhi,a position which has been held by people from Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombasa.
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The Commission, on May 22, shortlisted Sukyan Hassan Omar,Idris Nyamagosa Nyaboga, Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, Kutwaa Mohamed Abdalla and Omari Hassan Kinyua for the interview.
Benefits of Chief Kadhi
JSC received 24 applications by April 28, the deadline for the application exercise.
Apart from the Chief Kadhi, who sits in Mombasa, and his deputy in Nairobi, there are 65 Kadhis spread across the country.
This position is permanent and pensionable and attracts allowances such as housing, commuter allowance, medical cover and leave.
JSC thanked all the candidates, stakeholders, and Kenyans for their participation in the recruitment and selection process.
This is the first time in Kenyan history that the appointment of the Chief Kadhi has been done on merit.
Previously, the recruitment was based on lobbying and influence from powerful families, politicians, and religious leaders.
Kadhi Courts are established under Article 170 of the Constitution.
He/she reports directly to the Chief Registrar of the judiciary.
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Qualifications & Responsibilities
For appointment to this position, the applicant must; Have a degree in Islamic Law, profess the Islamic faith and be a member of recognized Islamic Association.
Also, the applicant must be of good conduct in accordance with Islamic faith.
They must also meet the qualifications set out in Chapter six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
The Chief Kadhi is mandated to settle disputes on inheritance, marriage, and divorce among Muslim families.
Additionally, Chief Kadhi translates Arabic documents and supervises the registries under them in consultation with the magistrate in charge.
They keep records of all arbitration and submit returns of registered marriages and divorces.
