Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is looking to hire eleven judges for the Court of Appeal.

JSC Chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome announced the 11 judge vacancies in a gazette notice dated January 30, 2024. The announcement said that the judges would hold their positions until they reached the legal retirement age of 70 years or 65 years for early retirees.

"I, Martha K. 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," she said, citing section 30 of the Judicial Service Act and section 3 Part II of the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act (No. 1 of 2011).


“Job details: Ref: V/No. 2/2024 Job title: Judge of the Court of Appeal Number of posts: Eleven (11) posts Tenure of office: Retirement at the age of seventy (70) years with the option for early retirement after attaining the age of sixty –five (65) years in accordance with Article 167(1) of the Constitution.”

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The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) norms state that the judges will get a gross monthly remuneration ranging from Ksh. 775,845 to Ksh. 1,187,152, according to CJ Koome.

According to the Chief Justice, benefits are not included in the remuneration package. Among them, she listed the minimal qualifications for applicants. 


A law degree from a recognized university, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction. 

At least ten years experience as a superior court judge or at least ten years experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal fields.

Possess the experience required above as applicable, irrespective of whether that experience was gained in Kenya or another Commonwealth Common-Law jurisdiction.

Be of high moral character, integrity, and impartiality, as Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity requires. 

Demonstrate high professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment, a wide breadth of legal and life experience, and a demonstrable commitment to public and community service.

 

Koome also outlined the two primary responsibilities of judges: to hear appeals from the High Court and from any other court or tribunal as directed by a parliamentary act.

Barely two weeks have passed since President William Ruto met with Chief Justice Koome and pledged that the government would appoint eleven judges to the Court of Appeal and twenty-five judges to the High Court.

During the meeting, which brought together all government departments on Monday, January 22, in State House Nairobi, Ruto promised funding to finish the car leasing program. The discussion took place amid an ongoing rift between the Executive and the Judiciary.

The Legislature and the Executive also promised to back the Judiciary's request for more funding.