NAIROBI, Kenya — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has formally declared a vacancy in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, opening the race for a new appointment to the country’s highest court.
The declaration was published in the Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVIII—No. 8 dated January 13, 2026, under the Judicial Service Act (Cap. 8A), and signed by Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome in her capacity as Chairperson of the JSC.
The Gazette notice confirms that one (1) position is available following the exit of a sitting judge.
According to the notice, the appointment will be made by the President in accordance with Articles 166(1) and 166(2) of the Constitution, following a competitive process conducted by the JSC. The successful candidate will serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, subject to the Constitution.
Who qualifies
The Gazette sets out strict constitutional and statutory thresholds. An applicant must be:
- A citizen of Kenya;
- An advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or a person qualified to be such;
- With at least 15 years’ experience as a superior court judge, or as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or in other relevant legal practice.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate:
- High moral character, integrity, and impartiality;
- Legal competence, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of constitutional law;
- Independence of mind, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
The JSC emphasized that the recruitment will follow the First Schedule to the Judicial Service Act, which requires public interviews, integrity vetting, and transparency.
The Supreme Court sits at the apex of Kenya’s Judiciary. It is the final arbiter on presidential election petitions, constitutional interpretation, and disputes involving sovereignty and devolution.
A new appointment, therefore, carries major implications for electoral justice, constitutional stability, and public confidence in the courts.
The vacancy comes amid heightened political and legal activity ahead of the 2027 General Election cycle, making the composition of the Supreme Court particularly consequential.
