NAIROBI, Kenya — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted 35 candidates for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal, marking a key step in filling 15 vacancies within one of Kenya’s highest judicial institutions.
The Commission announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, that the shortlist follows an extensive review process after the positions were advertised on June 9, 2025. By the close of applications on July 7, 2025, the JSC had received 94 applications from qualified legal professionals across the country.
According to a statement from the Commission, all applications were scrutinized for completeness and compliance with statutory requirements before the final shortlist was compiled. “The Commission will communicate the date of the interviews in due course,” the JSC said.
The recruitment exercise is part of the JSC’s ongoing mandate to strengthen the judiciary by filling critical vacancies and ensuring the timely delivery of justice across Kenya.
The 15 appointments are expected to bolster the capacity of the Court of Appeal, which has faced a backlog of cases due to limited judicial manpower.
Judges of the Court of Appeal play a pivotal role in the justice system, primarily hearing appeals from the High Court and other lower courts to determine whether legal principles were properly applied.
Unlike trial judges, appellate judges do not take new evidence but review records, assess written submissions, and hear oral arguments before issuing judgments.
The Court of Appeal, established under Article 164 of the Constitution, remains central to the interpretation of law and the development of judicial precedent in Kenya.
Its decisions shape the country’s legal landscape, influencing not only lower court rulings but also the protection of constitutional rights and the advancement of public interest litigation.
Legal analysts say the upcoming appointments will be crucial for enhancing efficiency within the appellate system. The new judges are expected to help reduce case delays, improve access to justice, and ensure consistency in the interpretation of the law.
The JSC’s transparency in the selection process has drawn praise from judicial observers who view it as an affirmation of merit-based recruitment within the judiciary.
The interviews, once scheduled, will be open to public participation in keeping with the Commission’s tradition of accountability and openness.
As the judiciary continues its reform agenda, the filling of these vacancies is seen as vital to sustaining public confidence in Kenya’s courts and reinforcing the rule of law.
