By Bonface Mulyungi

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced a major step toward easing pressure on courts after concluding the recruitment and selection of new judges for the High Court and the Environment and Land Court.

In an update released on Friday, April 10, 2026, the commission has said it has concluded the recruitment and selection process, describing it as one of the most competitive and transparent processes in recent years.

The JSC has nominated the following persons, among others, for appointment as Judges of the High Court: Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Richard Kipkemoi Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoi Rono Winnie Narasha Molonko.

“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has today concluded the recruitment and selection process of judges of the High Court and the Environment and Land Court. As you may recall, the Commission advertised vacancies for fifteen (15) judges of the Court of Appeal, twenty (20) judges of the High Court and ten (10) judges of the Environment and Land Court on 9th June 2025,” the statement read.

The JSC noted that the process attracted a high number of applicants across all levels, with 95 applicants for the Court of Appeal, from which 35 were shortlisted, while 377 applied for the High Court and 100 were shortlisted. A total of 243 applicants applied for the Environment and Land Court, where 50 candidates were shortlisted. It explained that the selection was rigorous and competitive, with hundreds applying for limited slots.

“These vacancies attracted a strong and competitive response. The Commission received 95 applications for the Court of Appeal and shortlisted 35 candidates; 377 applications for the High Court, from which 100 candidates were shortlisted; and 243 applications for the Environment and Land Court, with 50 candidates shortlisted,” the statement read.

The commission also explained that earlier appointments to the Court of Appeal created gaps in the lower courts, forcing it to adjust the number of available positions.

“Following the conclusion of the recruitment and selection process of the Court of Appeal, the JSC nominated fifteen (15) persons, who were subsequently appointed by His Excellency the President on 28th January 2026,” the statement read.

The JSC further clarified that it relied on legal provisions to increase the number of judges from 20 to 24 for the High Court and another from 10 to 13 for the Environment and and Courts to be recruited to fill emerging vacancies.

“Accordingly, the Commission increased the number of positions to be filled from twenty (20) to twenty-four (24) for the High Court, and from ten (10) to thirteen (13) for the Environment and Land Court,” the statement read.

The commission emphasised that the entire process was conducted openly through live broadcast, with public participation and strict adherence to the law.

“These processes were rigorous, transparent, and competitive, and were conducted in full view of the public through live broadcast,” the statement read.

Looking ahead, the JSC said the nominations will now be forwarded to the president for formal appointment. It added that the expansion will significantly improve access to justice by increasing the number of judges and speeding up case handling.

“Upon appointment, the number of Judges in the High Court will increase from ninety-one (91) to one hundred and fifteen (115), while those in the Environment and Land Court will rise from forty-eight (48) to sixty one (61),” the statement read.