The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Atman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadi of the Republic of Kenya.
Chief Justice Martha Kume announced on Monday that the JSC had settled on Mr Hussain after conducting interviews with five shortlisted candidates.
“After deliberation and careful consideration of the various candidates, the JSC appointed Hon. Athman Abdulhalim Hussein as the new Chief Kadi of the Republic of Kenya,” CJ Koome announced.
Mr Hussein is the former Kadi Nairobi Region and will replace Ahmed Muhda
On 22 May 2023, the JSC shortlisted Sukyan Hassan Omar, Idris Nyamagosa Nyaboga, Athman Abdulhalim Hussein, Kutwaa Mohamed Abdalla and Omari Hassan Kinyua for the position which was advertised on 14 April 2023.
According to the commission’s data, by the end of the announcement on April 28, 24 applications were received and five candidates were selected.
The Chief Qadi is appointed under the revised service scheme policy of the Judicial Service Commission, a post which is now equal to that of a Chief Magistrate.
The permanent and pensionable position also comes with allowances such as housing and commuting allowance, medical insurance and leave.
To qualify for the position, one must have a degree in Islamic law or its equivalent, profess the Islamic faith, have no complaints against them with the Complaints Commission or employers and no integrity issues.
Critics of previous appointments have always called for the JSC to consult widely with all Muslim groups to end the tradition of selecting a person from one region. They say the JSC should instead give a fair chance to all Muslims across the country.
Kadhi Courts are established under Article 170 of the Constitution and their jurisdiction is limited to the determination of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance in which all parties profess the Islamic faith and submit to the jurisdiction of the court.