Court of Appeal Judge David Maraga has been nominated as the new Chief Justice.
According to the Star, is awaiting approval from President Uhuru Kenyatta.
If appointed, he will replace Willy Mutunga who went on early retirement in June.
If Uhuru approves his name, he will become the second CJ under the new constitution that was promulgated in August 2010.
The Judicial Service Commission made the announcement on Thursday saying the new CJ will assume office with immediate effect.
Maranga was among 11 judges who had been shortlisted by the commission for the interviews.
He beat renown law Professor Makau Mutua who was also interviewed for the position.
During the interview, Justice Maraga told the Judicial Service Commission vetting panel he plans to restructure the Judiciary Ombudsman which will be headed by either a senior serving or retired jurist, to investigate complaints against judges if appointed Chief Justice.
Justice Maraga hails from Bonyamatuta in Nyamira County and was the only Kisii battling it out with other candidates for the top Judiciary job.
He told the vetting panel that he is a decisive person of integrity and humility, and good at time management.
Maraga who became the third candidate to be vetted by the panel said his record as the presiding judge of the appellate court in Kisumu from October 2014 to July 2016 help clear case backlogs after making 1,250 judgments.
He said he has never been challenged to influence a ruling in his judicial duties, attributes he said are critical for anyone serving as Chief Justice.