The Judicial Service Commission of Kenya has moved forward with the process of filling a vacancy in the country’s top court, shortlisting five candidates for the position of Supreme Court judge and opening the process to public scrutiny ahead of interviews set for late April 2026 in Nairobi.
In a notice issued on Friday, the commission confirmed that the recruitment follows an earlier call for applications made on January 28, 2026, which attracted six applicants by the February 17 deadline. After reviewing the submissions for completeness and compliance, the commission settled on five individuals to proceed to the next stage.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) advertised one (1) post in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya and invited applications from qualified persons,” the notice stated.
“At the close of the advertisement, a total of six (6) applications were received,” the commission said.
“The JSC having reviewed the applications for completeness and conformity shortlisted five (5) candidates,” the statement added.
The candidates who made the shortlist are Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, Justice Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott and Justice Abdulahi Mohammed Warsame. Those who had initially applied also included Lilian Wanjiku Wachira, who did not make it to the final list.
According to the schedule released by the commission, the interviews will take place over two days at its Nairobi offices. Makori will appear first on Tuesday, April 28 at 9am, followed by Justice Katwa at 11:00am and Justice Sergon at 2 pm. On Wednesday, April 29, Justice Tuiyott will be interviewed at 9:00am, with Justice Warsame appearing at 11 am.
Beyond the interviews, the commission has invited Kenyans to take part in the vetting process by submitting any relevant information about the shortlisted candidates.
“Members of the public are invited to avail in writing any information of interest in respect to any of the shortlisted candidates,” the notice said.
Submissions can be delivered physically to the commission’s offices or sent via email. The JSC assured contributors that their input will be handled with strict confidentiality and may form part of further inquiries.
“Take note that the Commission may interview any member of the Public who has submitted information and such information shall be kept confidential,” it added.
The commission reiterated its commitment to a fair and open process, stressing that selection will be based purely on merit.
“The Judicial Service Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and selects candidates on merit through fair and open competition,” the statement said.
The ongoing recruitment is part of wider efforts to reinforce trust in the judiciary by ensuring that appointments to the Supreme Court are transparent and accountable. As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court plays a key role in interpreting the Constitution and handling presidential election disputes, making the selection process one of high public interest.
The announcement was signed by Winfridah Mokaya, Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, with the commission expected to conclude the exercise after the interviews and forward the successful candidate for appointment in line with constitutional requirements.
