By Andrew Kariuki
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has today commenced interviews for the position of Judge of the Environment and Land Court (ELC), marking the start of a competitive recruitment process aimed at filling ten vacant positions within the Judiciary.
The exercise, which is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice in land and environmental matters, will see a total of 50 shortlisted candidates interviewed over several days.
Seven candidates are scheduled to appear before the Commission on the opening day of the interviews. They include:
Fatma Mohammed Addallah – Lecturer, Umma University
Bellinda Akoth Akello – Secretary, National Environment Tribunal; Deputy Director Legal, National Land Commission
Juliet Chepkoech Busienei – Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
Hon. Ben Mark Ekhubi – Senior Principal Magistrate, formerly at Milimani Magistrates Court
Eric Ondego Garo – Partner, Ondego Garo Advocates
Pauline Wanjiku Kamunya – Founder & Principal, Kamunya P.W. Advocates
Paul Kenneth Kinyua – Senior Legal Researcher, Judiciary
The interviews are expected to assess candidates on their legal expertise, integrity, experience, and suitability to handle complex land and environmental disputes, which remain a critical area within Kenya’s justice system.
The JSC has emphasized transparency and public participation in the recruitment process, with the interviews being conducted openly as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at enhancing accountability.
The outcome of the exercise is expected to play a key role in strengthening the Environment and Land Court, which handles disputes related to land ownership, use and environmental governance, issues that continue to have significant social and economic impact across the country.
