The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted 35 candidates for interviews to fill 15 vacancies at the Court of Appeal, following a rigorous selection process that attracted 94 applicants by the July 7, 2025 deadline.
Among those shortlisted are prominent figures in Kenya’s legal fraternity, including lawyer Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, High Court Judge Enock Chacha Mwita, and former Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Isaack Hassan.
The list also features several serving High Court judges and seasoned legal scholars, reflecting the commission’s commitment to merit-based and inclusive judicial appointments.
Other notable names include Justice (Dr) Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Oscar Amugo Angote, Justice William Musya Musyoka, and Prof. Migai Akech, a respected legal academic.
The JSC said the shortlist demonstrates a broad representation across the country’s judicial and legal community, ensuring diverse expertise and experience at the appellate level.
In a statement released on Wednesday, JSC Secretary Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, said the dates for the interviews will be communicated in due course.
She added that the commission welcomes public participation in the process, inviting members of the public to submit written information regarding any of the shortlisted candidates through official JSC channels.
“Members of the public are invited to avail in writing any information of interest in respect to any of the shortlisted candidates,” the statement read, adding that such information would be treated with confidentiality. The commission may also interview individuals who provide credible submissions.
The JSC emphasized that the recruitment process will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity.
“The Judicial Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer and selects candidates on merit through fair and open competition from the widest range of eligible candidates,” the statement concluded.
Once completed, the recruitment will see 15 new judges appointed to the Court of Appeal, a move expected to ease case backlogs and enhance the efficiency of Kenya’s appellate justice system.
The recruitment drive comes nearly a year after judicial hiring was halted following a 15 percent budget cut.
According to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), judges of the Court of Appeal earn between KSh775,845 and KSh1,187,152 monthly, serving until the mandatory retirement age of 70.
