CJ Koome Opens Application for Supreme Court Judge Position

The Judiciary has announced a vacancy in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, a month after the death of Supreme Court Judge Ibrahim Mohammed.

The announcement was made by Chief Justice Martha Koome through a gazette notice dated January 13, 2026.

Koome indicated that the judge will enjoy gross monthly remuneration, excluding benefits, ranging between Ksh956,192 and Ksh1,268,996.

Furthermore, the judge will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, or opt for early retirement upon attaining 65 years, in line with the constitution.

" The judge of the Supreme Court shall serve in the Supreme Court of Kenya. The function and jurisdiction of the Court if provided  for under  Article 163 (3),4,5, and 6, Article 168 (8), and Article 58 (5) of the constitution," the notice read

Interested candidates have been directed to visit the  Judicial Service Commission (JSC) jobs portal for further guidance on how to apply for the position.

According to Koome, the successful candidate will have the exclusive original jurisdiction tohear and determine disputes related to presidential elections.

The judge will also hear and determine appeals from the court of appeal, as well as other courts or tribunals, as prescribed by the National Legislation.

The judge will give an advisory opinion at the request of the National or county Government, any state Organ, in regard to any matter concerning county governments.

According to Koome, the judge will also have the responsibility of considering applications emanating from a declaration of a state of emergency.

Applicants should have at least 15 years of experience as a superior court judge and have at least 15 years of experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or any other relevant legal field.

" In addition, the applicant should demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgement, wide breadth of both legal and life experience, and demonstrable commitment to public and community service," the notice read.

Judge Ibrahim Mohammed passed on Wednesday, December 17, at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, where he was receiving treatment, at around 4:30pm. He died at the age of 69.

The exact nature of his illness remains unclear, with the Judiciary and his family consistently maintaining privacy regarding the exact medical condition, referring to it only as a "prolonged" or "long illness".

He has been serving at the Apex court since June 2011 and has been part of the panel of judges that listened to the highly contentious cases challenging the 2013 and 2022 presidential elections.

“On behalf of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court of Kenya, the Judicial Service Commission, and on my own behalf, I convey, with profound sorrow, the news of the passing on of Hon. (Mr.) Justice Mohammed Kadhar Ibrahim, Judge of the Supreme Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),” Koome said.