NAIROBI, Kenya — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as its new Registrar, filling a position that has been held in an acting capacity since March 2024.
The appointment was made pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Judicial Service Act, Cap. 8A, following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Commission.
Kibor will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the management of the JSC’s technical and shared services functions while supporting the Commission in carrying out its constitutional mandate.
He will also oversee the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness, accountability and the administration of justice.
Under the Judicial Service Act, the Registrar will be responsible to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the Commission in the performance of his duties.
Kibor rises through JSC ranks
Kibor brings more than a decade of experience within the Judicial Service Commission, having joined the institution in 2012 as a Legal Researcher.
He has since risen through the ranks, most recently serving as Assistant Director, Legal Services.
The JSC said his progression within the institution has given him extensive knowledge of its constitutional mandate, institutional framework and day-to-day operations.
His appointment therefore places an experienced Commission insider in charge of the Registrar’s office at a time when the institution continues to focus on strengthening accountability and the administration of justice.
Legal and academic qualifications
Kibor is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 14 years of post-admission experience.
He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations (Foreign Policy and Diplomacy) from the United States International University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
He has also undertaken the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, as well as corporate governance training and other professional programmes.
The combination of legal, leadership and institutional experience is expected to support his responsibilities in overseeing the Commission’s technical and shared services functions.
Registrar’s office vacant since 2024
The JSC said the vacancy arose after the appointment of former Registrar Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in March 2024.
Following Mokaya’s appointment, Hon. Isaac Wamaasa served as Acting Registrar of the Judicial Service Commission, providing leadership and continuity in the office during the intervening period.
Kibor’s appointment now brings an end to the period in which the Registrar’s office was being headed in an acting capacity.
Competitive recruitment process
The Commission said the appointment followed a competitive recruitment process.
The vacancy was advertised on January 16, 2026, with interviews conducted on June 30, 2026.
The JSC thanked all applicants and candidates who took part in the recruitment process, describing their participation as an expression of interest and willingness to serve the Commission.
The appointment was subsequently made following completion of the recruitment process.
Kibor takes on strategic role
As Registrar, Kibor will be responsible for supporting the Commission’s work through institutional policies, strategies and programmes designed to improve its effectiveness and accountability.
The position also places him at the centre of the Commission’s shared services and technical functions, which support the broader operations of the JSC.
His responsibilities will be carried out under the supervision and accountability structure provided for in the Judicial Service Act, with the Registrar reporting to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the Commission.
The JSC said the appointment reflects its commitment to maintaining effective institutional leadership as it works to promote judicial independence and accountability.
JSC welcomes new Registrar
The Commission congratulated Kibor on his appointment and wished him success as he assumes the responsibilities of the office.
The JSC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and facilitating the independence and accountability of the Judiciary, as well as effective, efficient and transparent administration of justice.
Kibor’s appointment marks a new phase for the Registrar’s office after more than two years under acting leadership and comes after a recruitment process that began with the January 2026 vacancy advertisement.
