NAIROBI, Kenya – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has withdrawn 171 advertised job vacancies in the Judiciary, citing financial constraints, in yet another sign of the sector’s deepening budget crisis.
In a notice issued Tuesday, JSC announced the cancellation but did not indicate whether or when the positions would be re-advertised.
The vacancies had included roles for legal researchers, office administration interns, and information communication and technology (ICT) interns, among others.
“This is to notify the general public and the applicants that owing to fiscal constraints currently affecting the country, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has cancelled the advertisements for the following positions,” the statement read in part.
The affected positions included 60 legal researchers, 25 diploma internships in office administration (secretarial services), 12 graduate internships in ICT, and internships in supply chain management, records management, engineering, and architecture.
Public notice: Cancellation of declared vacancies in the Judiciary
JSC advised affected applicants to seek clarification through its official contact channels.
The cancellation highlights the Judiciary’s ongoing financial struggles.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has repeatedly warned that underfunding is crippling the administration of justice, with the Judiciary’s budget slashed by nearly 50 percent over the last three financial years.
In the 2023-2024 financial year, the Judiciary received Sh22.42 billion, far short of its required Sh43.17 billion.
The funding gap has stalled recruitment, slowed case clearance, and left key courts understaffed.
For example, the Court of Appeal currently has only 29 judges instead of the required 70, affecting its ability to hear cases efficiently.
Speaking during the launch of the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report 2023-2024, CJ Koome acknowledged that despite achieving a 99 percent case clearance rate, the Judiciary was struggling to sustain operations.
“We are doing our very best with very little resources to ensure we celebrate these gains. However, we must recognise the pressing need for further investment,” she said.
The withdrawal of these job opportunities signals more challenges ahead for the Judiciary, which is already grappling with case backlogs and resource shortages.
Experts warn that without increased funding, access to justice could be further delayed, affecting ordinary Kenyans who rely on the courts for dispute resolution.
It remains unclear if or when the JSC will re-advertise the positions, leaving job seekers who had applied for the roles in limbo.
