JSC advertises 11 vacancies for Court of Appeal judges

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is seeking to employ 11 Court of Appeal judges.

In a gazette notice dated January 30, 2024, JSC Chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome announced vacancies for the 11 judges saying they would serve until they attain the retirement age of 65 years (for early retirees) or 70 years as stipulated in the law.

“Pursuant to 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), 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 stated.

“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.”

CJ Koome noted that the judges would be earning a gross monthly salary of between Ksh.775,845 to Ksh. 1,187,152, based on guidelines by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

The salary package, according to the Chief Justice, is exclusive of benefits.

She outlined the minimum requirements of applicants among them 

1. A law degree from a recognized university, or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction. 
2. At least 10 years’ experience as a superior court judge; or at least 10 years’ experience as a distinguished academic, or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal fields.
3. Possess the experience required above as applicable, irrespective of whether that experience was gained in Kenya or another Commonwealth Common-Law jurisdiction.
4. Be a high moral character, integrity and impartiality as required by Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity. 
5. Demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment, wide breadth of both legal and life experience and demonstrable commitment to public and community service. 

Koome also highlighted two main functions of the judges among them hearing appeals from the High Court and hearing appeals from any other court or Tribunal as prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

The announcement comes barely two weeks since President William Ruto met with CJ Koome and promised that the government would recruit 25 judges for the High Court and 11 judges for the Court of Appeal.

The meeting held on Monday, January 22 at State House Nairobi, brought together all branches of government amid an ongoing schism between the Executive and the Judiciary where Ruto also pledged resources to complete the vehicle leasing programme.

The Executive and Legislature also pledged to support the Judiciary's request for additional budgetary allocation.