By Andrew Kariuki
The Judicial Service Commission of Kenya has published the full list of shortlisted candidates and interview dates for the position of Judge of the High Court, setting out a detailed schedule that will run from early February to early March 2026.
In a public announcement, the Commission confirmed that the interviews will begin on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 and conclude on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with candidates appearing before the interview panel at specified times starting from 9.00 a.m. each day.
According to the schedule, the interviews are organised chronologically and spread across several days to accommodate all shortlisted candidates.
The process covers more than 100 candidates drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, including serving judicial officers, advocates, academics, and public servants.
The first phase of interviews will take place between February 4 and February 12, followed by subsequent sessions from February 16 through February 26.
The final group of candidates will be interviewed between March 2 and March 4, 2026.
Each candidate has been allocated a specific date and time slot, ranging from morning to afternoon sessions.
The Commission stated that the interviews form part of its constitutional mandate to recruit judges through a competitive, transparent, and merit-based process.
Candidates will be assessed on professional competence, integrity, temperament, legal knowledge, and suitability for appointment to the High Court.
The JSC further advised shortlisted candidates to take note of their assigned interview dates and times, and to comply with all instructions issued by the Commission ahead of their appearance.
It emphasized that failure to attend an interview at the scheduled time may lead to disqualification.
Once the interviews are concluded, the Commission is expected to deliberate and forward the names of successful candidates to the President for appointment, in accordance with the Constitution.
The publication of the full interview schedule marks a key step in the ongoing judicial recruitment process, as the JSC moves to fill vacancies within the High Court and strengthen the administration of justice.
