Yusuf Abdallah Shikanda (Kenya) is a Principal Magistrate based at Shanzu Law Court in Mombasa, Kenya. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Shariah (LLB) from Zanzibar University in Tanzania in 2005. He also holds a Post graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya on 20th November, 2008. Yusuf is a certified Professional Mediator having been trained by Mediation training institute international, USA. While serving as a judicial officer, Yusuf has participated in various trainings dealing with Refugee rights and Human rights in general as well as Counter-Terrorism. He has been trained by Lawyers Without Borders on trial advocacy and management. He is known for protecting and safeguarding the right to a fair trial to the litigants that appear before him as well as protecting the rights of the child. In 2016, the Judges and magistrates vetting board (Kenya) in its final report listed Yusuf among the best five magistrates in the country. He has a wealth of experience in both Criminal and Civil law. While serving at Malindi Law Courts, he collaborated with various Non-governmental organizations to initiate rehabilitation programs for people who use drugs as an alternative to imprisonment. He continues to do so and facilitates treatment of Persons with drug use disorders in contact with the Criminal Justice System. Yusuf has engaged in corporate social responsibility and has been a key player in promotion of the rights of prisoners. Prior to joining the Kenya Judiciary in July, 2010, Yusuf was in private practice as an Advocate of the High court of Kenya. His passion lies in upholding Constitutionalism and the Rule of law. He is eager to learn from other jurisdictions and strengthen his knowledge and expertise in the field of human rights and rule of law with a bias for alternatives to imprisonment for the betterment of the Kenya Judiciary and the country at large.
