The search for Kenya’s next Chief Justice entered day two on Tuesday. 

Kenya’s first female Professor in Law, Patricia Kameri-Mbote, takes the hot seat as she seeks to become the next President of the Supreme Court and head of the Judiciary.

The exercise that commenced Monday will seek to replace Justice David Maraga, who retired early this year.

All 10 JSC commissioners – Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu (Supreme Court), Justice Mohamed Warsame (Court of Appeal), Justice David Majanja (High Court), Ms Olwande (Chief Magistrates Court), Macharia Njeru (Law Society of Kenya), Ms Ann Amadi (Judiciary Registrar), Mr Kihara Kariuki (Attorney General), Patrick Gichohi (Public Service Commission), Mr Felix Koskei (public representative) and Prof Olive Mugenda (public representative) – will preside over the selection process.

Prof Mugenda is chairing the panel that will forward the best candidate’s name to Parliament for vetting. If MPs approve the candidate’s selection, his or her name will be forwarded to President Uhuru Kenyatta for appointment.

The JSC will also hire another Supreme Court judge to replace Justice Jackton Ojwang who retired last year.