JSC Nominates Mohamed Warsame as New Supreme Court Judge

The Judicial Service Commission has nominated Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame for the position of judge of the Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Martha Koome made the announcement on Wednesday. She described the process as competitive and merit-based.

“I am pleased to inform the public that the Judicial Service Commission has today concluded the recruitment and selection process for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and, upon deliberations, has arrived at a nomination,” Koome said.

She named the successful candidate moments later.

“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.”

Warsame had been one of six judges who applied for the role. Only five advanced to the interview stage. The interviews ran across Tuesday and Wednesday.

The vacancy opened after the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim. He passed away on December 17, 2025, following a short illness. At the time, he was days away from terminal leave ahead of mandatory retirement on January 1, 2026.

The commission first advertised the position on January 27. Applications closed on February 17. The applicants included Justices Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott.

Koome stressed that the entire exercise followed the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act. Merit, integrity, fairness, inclusivity and regional balance guided every step.

“The Commission is fully satisfied that 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,” she said.

Warsame currently sits on the Court of Appeal bench. He appeared before the JSC panel on the final day of interviews.

Once the nomination is complete, the name goes forward to President William Ruto. The appointment will follow Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution.

In the same briefing, Koome unveiled a fresh transparency measure for the judiciary.

Starting July 1, 2026, the Judiciary will publish individual performance data for judges and judicial officers. The data will appear in a structured format.

The commission believes the step will strengthen accountability. It should also help cut case backlogs and widen access to justice.

“To this end, the Judicial Service Commission has resolved that effective 1st July 2026 the Judiciary shall commence the publication of individual performance data for Judges and Judicial officers in a structured and transparent framework,” Koome added.

The Supreme Court stands as Kenya’s highest court. It hears appeals on constitutional questions and other matters of national importance. Appointments to the bench therefore draw close public attention.

The JSC itself was created under the 2010 Constitution to manage judicial recruitment and oversight. Its role keeps the process independent from direct executive control.

Justice Warsame’s nomination now awaits formal presidential action. No further timeline has been released.