The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has advanced 34 candidates for consideration in the race for five Resident Kadhi positions advertised earlier this year. This process comes as the Judiciary works to address gaps in its staffing after months of appointment delays caused by budget limitations.
"The advertisement attracted a total of 261 applicants. Following the review of applications, the JSC shortlisted 34 candidates. Dates for the selection interviews will be communicated to the candidates," stated Winfridah Mokaya, the commission's Secretary, on Wednesday.
Kadhis' Courts are mandated under Article 170 of the Constitution to oversee matters governed by Muslim law. There are 14 stand-alone Kadhis' Courts across the country, while others function within the framework of Magistrates' Courts.
Their authority is confined to issues of personal status, marriage, divorce, or inheritance, but only where all parties involved are Muslims and recognize the jurisdiction of the Kadhis' Courts.
In addition to the five Resident Kadhi roles, the JSC is filling 145 other judicial vacancies. These include 15 judges of the Court of Appeal, 20 High Court judges, 10 judges for the Environment and Land Court, 60 Resident Magistrates, and 40 adjudicators for the Small Claims Court.
The June 9 advertisement for these posts drew 1,742 applicants, from which the commission has shortlisted 598 individuals. "Following the review of applications, the JSC shortlisted 598 candidates. Dates for the selection interviews will be communicated to the candidates," the commission confirmed on Wednesday.
