JSC nominates Mohamed Warsame as new Supreme Court judge

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated Justice Mohamed Warsame as the new Supreme Court judge following the conclusion of interviews.

JSC Chairperson Chief Justice Martha Koome announced on Wednesday, saying that Warsame emerged as the best candidate following the competitive interview process conducted between Tuesday and Wednesday.

“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,” said Koome. 

"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 vacant position of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya was occasioned by the death of Justice Mohamed Ibrahim in December last year.

The JSC had advertised the position on January 27, with the application window closing on February 17, 2026.

The six applicants were: Justices Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, and Francis Kipruto Tuiyott.

Koome underscored that the recruitment process was conducted in compliance with the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act and guided by merit, integrity, fairness, inclusivity and regional balance.

“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.

Following the nomination, Koome said Warsame’s name has been forwarded to President William Ruto for formal appointment in line with Article 166(1)(a) of the Constitution.

She also announced that beginning July 1, 2026, the Judiciary will start publishing individual performance data for judges and judicial officers, a move she says is aimed at enhancing accountability, reducing case backlog and improving 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,” she said.