JSC Settles on Justice Martha Koome for Kenya Chief Justice Post

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has forwarded Justice Martha Koome’s name to President Kenyatta for appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya.

JSC settled on Justice Koome to replace retired Chief Justice David Maraga following interviews that concluded last Friday.

Koome, a judge of the Appeals Court, was among the 10 candidates who were interviewed by JSC for the top position.

If appointed, she will become the first-ever female Chief Justice in the history of the country.

This was Koome’s second attempt at the CJ position, having tried unsuccessfully in 2016.

Koome, who currently heads the Criminal Division at the Court of Appeal, boasts 33 years in the legal profession.

She was admitted to the bar as an advocate of the High Court in 1986 and practiced law until 2003 when she was appointed as a High Court judge.

Between 2003 and 2011, Koome served in different capacities as head of Land and Environmental Division in Nairobi, Resident Judge in Nakuru and Kitale, and at the Commercial and Family Divisions in Nairobi. She was appointed as judge of the Appellate Court in 2012.

She holds a Master of Laws from the University of London (2010), Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi (1986), Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law (1987).