NAIROBI, Kenya — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has declared a vacancy in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, setting in motion a high-stakes recruitment process that will shape the apex court’s composition at a time of heightened constitutional scrutiny and judicial transition.
In a Gazette Notice issued under Articles 172(1)(a) and 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, the Commission invited applications from qualified persons to fill one position at the Supreme Court, Kenya’s highest judicial authority.
According to the notice, the successful candidate will serve until attaining the constitutional retirement age and will be entitled to a gross monthly remuneration ranging between Sh895,192 and Sh1,268,996, excluding additional benefits, as guided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
The Supreme Court occupies a unique constitutional position, with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to the election of the President, appellate jurisdiction over matters of constitutional interpretation, and advisory jurisdiction at the request of the national or county governments.
The court also plays a decisive role in presidential election petitions, an area that has repeatedly tested the resilience and independence of Kenya’s constitutional order.
The JSC outlined stringent constitutional and statutory thresholds for eligibility. Applicants must hold a law degree from a recognised university and be either advocates of the High Court of Kenya or possess an equivalent qualification from a Commonwealth jurisdiction.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate at least 15 years’ experience as a superior court judge, or equivalent legal practice, judicial service, or academic experience in law.
Beyond professional credentials, applicants must meet the integrity requirements set out in Chapter Six of the Constitution, including proven moral character, impartiality, and commitment to constitutionalism. The Commission emphasised that the appointment process will strictly adhere to Articles 166 and 172 of the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act.
The application process requires candidates to submit an online application through the JSC portal, accompanied by extensive documentation. These include detailed curricula vitae, testimonials, professional and academic certificates, tax compliance records, clearance certificates from oversight bodies, declarations of income, assets and liabilities, and samples of professional legal writings such as judgments, scholarly work, or advocacy submissions.
Applicants in private practice are additionally required to submit audited accounts and certified tax returns for the last three years, underscoring the Commission’s focus on financial probity and transparency.
The deadline for submission is February 5, 2026, at 5.00 pm, with the JSC cautioning that late applications will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those successful will undergo rigorous vetting, including verification of academic, professional, and integrity documentation.
The recruitment comes amid sustained public interest in the independence, accountability, and effectiveness of the Judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, whose decisions have far-reaching implications for governance, electoral integrity, and constitutional interpretation.
In reaffirming its mandate under Article 232 of the Constitution, the JSC reiterated its commitment to fair competition, merit-based appointments and equal opportunity, noting that the process is open to all qualified persons and that recruitment services are free of charge.
