In a significant move to strengthen the nation’s judicial system, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has announced the recruitment of 45 new judges across three key courts.
The decision, detailed in a Gazette Notice published on June 3, marks a reversal of last year’s hiring freeze prompted by government budget cuts. This development is seen as a critical step toward addressing the judiciary’s staffing shortages and enhancing access to justice in Kenya.
The vacancies include 15 positions in the Court of Appeal, 20 in the High Court, and 10 in the Environment and Land Court (ELC).
“Pursuant to Section 30 of the Judicial Service Act and Section 3, Part II of the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, 2011, I, Martha Karambu Koome, Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, for and on behalf of the Judiciary of Kenya, declare vacancies in the Office of Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Republic of Kenya,” the notice stated.
This announcement comes nearly a year after Chief Justice Koome suspended judicial recruitment due to a 15% budget cut imposed by the government, which forced the judiciary to prioritize essential services.
The tragic death of Makadara Magistrate Monica Kivuti in 2024 further underscored the need for enhanced court security, prompting budget reallocations.
However, with improved fiscal support, the JSC is now moving forward to fill these critical positions to ensure the judiciary can handle its growing caseload.
- JSC wants tribunal to probe judge Mohammed Noor Kullow
- Why the Supreme Court is between a rock and a hard place
The recruitment drive is expected to alleviate the strain on Kenya’s courts, which have faced challenges due to understaffing and rising case backlogs. In 2024, Chief Justice Koome warned that the shortage of appellate court judges was hampering judicial operations.
The addition of 45 judges is anticipated to improve efficiency and reduce delays—particularly in the Court of Appeal, where the timely resolution of cases is crucial.
Candidates for these judicial positions must meet stringent criteria outlined in Article 166 of the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act.
Applicants are required to have at least 10 years of experience as a superior court judge or in an equivalent legal practice. For Court of Appeal judges, the retirement age is set at 70, with the option of early retirement at 65, as stipulated under Article 167(1) of the Constitution.
The JSC has emphasized that the selection process will be rigorous, prioritizing candidates with a proven track record of integrity, competence, and commitment to justice. The recruitment is expected to attract a diverse pool of applicants, reflecting the judiciary’s goal of representing broader Kenyan society.
Legal experts and civil society groups have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a positive step toward judicial reform. The public and legal community alike see the hiring as a response to long-standing calls for a more robust judiciary capable of addressing complex legal challenges, including those related to environmental and land disputes.
Applications for the judicial positions are expected to be processed through the Judiciary’s dedicated recruitment portal, with further details on deadlines and procedures to be announced. The JSC has urged eligible candidates to apply promptly and adhere to the outlined qualifications.
– By Jeremiah Richu
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
