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CJ Koome reopens hiring of 45 judges
Chief Justice Martha Koome.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced the recruitment of 45 new judges for the Court of Appeal, High Court and the Environment and Land Court (ELC).
In a gazette notice, Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also chairs the commission, declared 15 vacancies in the Court of Appeal, 20 in the High Court and 10 in the ELC.
The recruitment process had reached an advanced stage last year but was frozen in July following protests over the Finance Bill, 2024. The Treasury had directed courts to restrict spending to 15 percent of the appropriated budget, halting the hiring process.
“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 reads.
Judges of the Court of Appeal will earn a gross monthly salary ranging between Sh775,845 and Sh1.187 million, excluding other benefits.
To qualify, candidates must have at least 10 years' experience as a High Court judge, magistrate of professional standing or distinguished legal academic, practitioner or expert in a related legal field. Judges serve until the age of 70, but can choose to retire at 65.
High Court and ELC judges will earn between Sh750,000 and Sh1.029 million in gross monthly pay.
The Environment and Land Court hears disputes related to environmental planning and protection, climate issues, land use, title, tenure, boundaries, valuation, mining and other natural resource matters.
It also handles issues concerning land acquisition, administration, and management.
Applicants must have relevant legal experience in Kenya or another Commonwealth country with a common law jurisdiction.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate high professional competence, strong communication skills, fairness, good temperament and judgment, and a commitment to public service.
Read: Judiciary under siege
According to the Judiciary’s State of the Judiciary report, the institution was operating at only 68 percent of its approved staffing levels as of June 30, 2024. Only the Supreme Court had its full complement of judges.
The Court of Appeal has 28 judges against a required 70, the High Court has 95 out of the required 200, and the ELC has 52 against a required 63.
The fresh recruitment drive is seen as part of broader efforts to address the chronic understaffing in the Judiciary, reduce case backlogs, and enhance access to justice across the country.