By TWV Team
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has received an overwhelming 2,679 applications for 150 judicial positions in a landmark recruitment drive aimed at addressing Kenya’s mounting case backlog and enhancing access to justice nationwide.
The application window, which closed on 7 July, saw fierce competition for roles ranging from magistrates to Court of Appeal judges, underscoring the urgent need to bolster the judiciary’s capacity. The JSC reported that resident magistrate positions attracted the highest interest, with 1,714 applications for 100 vacancies.
High Court judge roles drew 376 applicants for 20 slots, while the Environment and Land Court received 242 applications for 10 posts.
The Court of Appeal, Kenya’s second-highest court, saw 94 applications for 15 positions, and kadhi roles garnered 253 applications for just five vacancies.“This recruitment drive is a critical step in addressing the growing backlog of cases, improving service delivery, and easing the strain on the judiciary’s human resources,” the JSC stated in a public notice.
The initiative aligns with the commission’s constitutional mandate under Article 172 to promote judicial independence and accountability while ensuring efficient justice delivery. The judiciary has faced mounting pressure due to a significant case backlog, which has hindered timely access to justice.
The JSC’s recruitment effort is part of a broader strategy to modernise and strengthen Kenya’s judicial system, which has already seen gains from digitisation initiatives like the e-filing system. However, recent outages in this digital platform have disrupted services nationwide, prompting the JSC to activate its Business Continuity Policy. Alternative systems are currently in use to maintain operations while technical teams work to resolve the issue.
In a stern warning, the JSC cautioned against fraudulent schemes targeting applicants, clarifying that no fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process. “The Commission does not charge for applications, shortlisting, interviews, or appointments,” the JSC stated, urging the public to report any demands for money or personal favours to law enforcement, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The JSC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, conducted in strict accordance with the Constitution and applicable laws. While the commission is now processing applications, no timeline has been announced for the selection or appointment of successful candidates.
This recruitment drive marks a pivotal moment for Kenya’s judiciary as it seeks to address longstanding challenges and uphold its role as a cornerstone of justice and accountability.
