NAIROBI, Kenya — Hon. Everlyne Olwande and Supreme Court Judge Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u were on Tuesday formally sworn in as members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), reinforcing the constitutional body tasked with overseeing the administration and independence of Kenya’s Judiciary.
The ceremony, held in Nairobi, marked the official entry of the two into the powerful commission that is responsible for the recruitment, discipline, and removal of judges and judicial officers, as well as advising the national government on the administration of justice.
Justice Njoki Ndung’u joins the commission in her capacity as a Supreme Court judge, bringing to the JSC years of experience from the country’s highest court. She has previously served in key judicial and legal reform roles and is known for her jurisprudence on constitutional rights, governance, and gender equality.
Hon. Everlyne Olwande, who represents the public in the commission, also took her oath of office, committing to uphold the Constitution, protect the independence of the Judiciary, and serve the public interest.
Her appointment fills a crucial slot meant to ensure citizen representation in the body that supervises the courts.
Under Article 172 of the Constitution, the JSC plays a central role in safeguarding judicial independence by ensuring that appointments, promotions, and disciplinary processes are conducted fairly and transparently.
The commission also manages the Judiciary’s human resource functions and oversees reforms aimed at improving efficiency and public confidence in the justice system.
With the addition of Olwande and Justice Ndung’u, the commission is expected to gain renewed capacity to carry out its constitutional mandate, especially as Kenya’s courts continue to deal with complex constitutional litigation, electoral disputes, and governance-related cases.
Legal observers say the presence of a sitting Supreme Court judge within the commission provides institutional continuity between the Judiciary and its oversight body, while the inclusion of public representatives helps anchor the JSC’s work in citizen expectations of fairness and integrity.
Both Olwande and Justice Ndung’u are now set to participate in upcoming commission deliberations on judicial appointments, disciplinary matters, and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law.
Their swearing-in signals a fresh chapter for the JSC as it seeks to balance judicial independence with accountability in an increasingly contested political and legal environment.
