JSC concludes interviews for Court of Appeal judge posts

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded interviews for candidates seeking appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal, marking a key milestone in efforts to strengthen Kenya’s appellate judiciary.

The week-long interviews, which began on January 12, 2026, officially ended on Monday evening, January 21, 2026, with a total of 35 shortlisted candidates appearing before the commission.

The recruitment exercise seeks to fill 15 vacancies at the Court of Appeal.

According to the JSC, the appointments are expected to enhance the court’s capacity, reduce the growing case backlog, and improve access to justice across the country.

"The Judicial Service Commission has this evening concluded interviews for candidates seeking appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal to fill 15 vacancies. Once appointed, the Judges will strengthen the Court’s capacity, reduce case backlog and enhance access to justice," the commission posted.

The interviews were conducted in public and streamed live on YouTube and Facebook platforms, underscoring the commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability and public participation in judicial appointments.

Throughout the sessions, candidates were taken through rigorous questioning on their judicial philosophy, integrity, professional experience and understanding of constitutional principles.

During the final day of the interviews, judges from the Environment and Land Court (ELC) and the High Court appeared before the panel chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

Among those interviewed were ELC judges Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Munyao Sila and Lucy Ngima Mbugua.

High Court judges Joseph Kiplagat Sergon and Hedwig Imbosa were also interviewed, outlining their experience on the bench and their readiness to serve at the appellate level.

The candidates highlighted their jurisprudential contributions, leadership roles within the judiciary and approaches to handling complex appellate matters.

The JSC is now expected to deliberate on the interviews before notifying successful candidates.

The list of nominees will then be forwarded to President William Ruto for formal appointment in accordance with the Constitution.

Once appointed, the new judges will join a court that plays a critical role in shaping Kenya’s jurisprudence by hearing appeals from the High Court and courts of equal status.

The current shortlist was drawn from 95 applicants who expressed interest in the positions by the July 7, 2025 deadline, following the advertisement of the vacancies in June 2025.

The Court of Appeal recruitment forms part of a broader judicial hiring exercise being undertaken by the JSC.

In addition to the appellate judges, the commission is also recruiting 20 High Court judges, 10 judges of the Environment and Land Court, 100 resident magistrates, and five Kadhis.

The wider recruitment drive is aimed at addressing staffing gaps across the judiciary and improving the efficiency of courts at all levels.