The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Hon. Hassan Omar Daffa as the new Chief Kadhi of the Republic of Kenya, succeeding the late Sheikh Abdul Halim Hussein
In a press release dated November 13, 2026, indicates that the appointment was made under Article 172 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Daffa formerly worked as a Principal Kadhi and has wide experience in the field of Islamic Jurisprudence and judicial service. He has a Master’s Degree in Source Method in Islamic Jurisprudence from Saudi Arabia’s UMM AL-QUR’AA University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sharia and Islamic Studies from UMM AL-QUR’AA University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Mount Kenya University and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
The Chief Kadhi is the head of all Kadhis’ Courts in Kenya and deals with issues of Muslim law as they relate to personal status, marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
The recruitment was announced on 16 January 2026. The Commission received 14 applications, shortlisted 9, and held interviews on 2 and 3 November.
The JSC also held the public hearings in June 2026, and received input from members of the Muslim community and other interested parties as to what they hoped for from the office holder.
The Commission expressed gratitude to the Acting Chief Kadhis Hon. Sukyan Hassan Omar for stabilizing the judiciary during the transition period and paid tribute to the late Sheikh Hussein.
