Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a vacancy in the Supreme Court after the passing of Justice Mohammed Ibrahim.
In a gazette notice dated January 13, CJ Koome invited qualified candidates to apply for the open position. The notice stated: “Pursuant to Paragraph 3 Part II, First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, I, Martha Karambu Koome, Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, and on behalf of the Judiciary of Kenya, declare a vacancy in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.”
The appointed judge will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70, with the option of early retirement at 65. The role offers a monthly gross salary of Ksh956,192 to Ksh1,268,996, excluding benefits.
Supreme Court judges handle presidential election disputes, appellate appeals from the Court of Appeal, and other courts or tribunals. They may also provide advisory opinions to the national or county governments and hear appeals from judges facing removal under Article 168 of the Constitution.
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Applicants must hold a law degree or equivalent qualification, be advocates of the High Court of Kenya, and have at least 15 years of experience as a superior court judge, legal practitioner, judicial officer, or distinguished legal academic. Candidates must also demonstrate high integrity and impartiality in accordance with Chapter Six of the Constitution.
The appointment will follow the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act, and interested candidates can apply via the JSC jobs portal: https://jsc.go.ke/jobs-2/.
Justice Ibrahim passed away on December 17, 2025, at 69, after a long illness. He had been receiving treatment in India before his death at Aga Khan Hospital. Appointed to the Supreme Court in June 2011, Ibrahim was part of Kenya’s inaugural bench. He previously served as Chair of the Judiciary Committee on Elections, and as a High Court judge from 2003 to 2011.
In 1983, Ibrahim became the first Kenyan-Somali admitted as an Advocate of the High Court. He also worked with Kituo Cha Sheria and served on the Board of the Legal Education and Aid Programme (LEAD). He was buried on December 18, 2025, at Kariokor Muslim Cemetery in Nairobi.
