The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted five candidates, including appellate judges Mohamed Warsame and Katwa Kigen, for appointment to the Supreme Court of Kenya, setting the stage for high-stakes interviews scheduled for April 28 and 29, 2026.
In a public notice, the JSC said the shortlisted candidates emerged from a competitive recruitment process aimed at filling a vacancy in the apex court, emphasizing that the selection will be guided by merit, integrity, and judicial experience.
“The Commission has shortlisted five candidates for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court. The interviews will be conducted on 28th and 29th April 2026,” the JSC said in a statement.
“The Commission has shortlisted five candidates for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court. The interviews will be conducted on 28th and 29th April 2026,” the JSC said in a statement.
The inclusion of Justices Warsame and Kigen—both serving at the Court of Appeal—has drawn significant attention within legal circles, given their extensive judicial records and prior involvement in landmark rulings.
Justice Warsame is widely known for his jurisprudence on constitutional and commercial matters, while Justice Kigen has built a reputation in administrative and public law. Their potential elevation signals continuity of experience within the judiciary’s highest bench.
The JSC underscored the importance of public participation in the process, inviting members of the public to submit memoranda on the suitability of the candidates.
“Members of the public are invited to avail, in writing, any information of interest relating to the shortlisted candidates,” the Commission noted, adding that submissions must be received before the interview dates.
“Members of the public are invited to avail, in writing, any information of interest relating to the shortlisted candidates,” the Commission noted, adding that submissions must be received before the interview dates.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in judicial appointments, noting that interviews will be conducted openly in line with constitutional requirements.
“The recruitment process is anchored on the principles of transparency, competitiveness, and public participation as required under the Constitution,” the statement added.
“The recruitment process is anchored on the principles of transparency, competitiveness, and public participation as required under the Constitution,” the statement added.
The vacancy at the Supreme Court comes at a critical time, with the bench expected to handle complex constitutional and electoral disputes ahead of future national processes. Legal analysts say the appointment will play a key role in shaping jurisprudence and public confidence in the judiciary.
Once interviews are concluded, the JSC will forward the name of the successful candidate to the President for nomination, followed by vetting and approval by the National Assembly before formal appointment.
The upcoming interviews are expected to attract close scrutiny from the legal fraternity and the public, as the country looks to reinforce the credibility and independence of its highest court.
