The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya.
The appointment was announced on Friday, November 13, 2026, following a recruitment process conducted by the Commission under Article 172 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Daffa takes over the position following the death of the late Chief Kadhi, Sheikh AbdulHalim Hussein, whose service to the Judiciary and the people of Kenya was recognised by the JSC for integrity, humility and commitment to justice.
Before his appointment, Daffa served as a Principal Kadhi, bringing extensive experience in Islamic jurisprudence and judicial service to the position.
He holds a Master’s degree in Source Methodology in Islamic Jurisprudence and a Bachelor’s degree in Sharia and Islamic Studies from Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.
Daffa also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mount Kenya University and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
The Office of the Chief Kadhi is established under Article 170(1) of the Constitution.
It plays an important role in Kenya’s justice system, particularly in matters of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce and inheritance.
As the head of all Kadhis’ Courts in Kenya, the Chief Kadhi has a significant responsibility in upholding the rule of law and protecting the dignity of people seeking justice.
The JSC said the office also carries deep religious and cultural significance for Kenya’s Muslim community.
The recruitment process began after the Commission declared the vacancy on January 16, 2026. According to the JSC, it received 14 applications, with nine candidates eventually shortlisted for consideration.
The Commission also conducted public participation in June, giving members of the Muslim community and other stakeholders an opportunity to give their views on the qualities, values and leadership expected of the next Chief Kadhi.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates were conducted on November 2 and 3, 2026.
The JSC said observers drawn from the Muslim community were invited to witness the proceedings as part of efforts to promote transparency and public confidence in the recruitment process.
The Commission also thanked Hon. Sukyan Hassan Omar, who had been serving as Acting Chief Kadhi, for providing leadership and ensuring continuity during the transition.
In congratulating Daffa, the JSC wished him wisdom, strength and success as he assumes the new responsibility.
The Commission said the recruitment was guided by the principles of fairness, competitiveness, transparency and merit, in line with the Constitution and principles of good governance.
The appointment now marks the beginning of Daffa’s tenure as the head of Kenya’s Kadhis’ Courts and comes at a significant time for the administration of justice within the Muslim community.
