The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as its new Registrar, ending a more than two-year period in which the position was occupied in an acting capacity.
The appointment was announced on Monday, September 7, 2026, under Section 10(2) of the Judicial Service Act, Cap. 8A.
Kibor will take charge of the commission's technical and shared services functions, providing strategic leadership and oversight as the JSC works to strengthen its institutional operations and support the administration of justice.
“In accordance with the Judicial Service Act, the Registrar will be responsible to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the Commission in the performance of his duties,” the commission said.
The JSC said Kibor would support the implementation of policies, strategies and programmes designed to strengthen institutional effectiveness and accountability.
The appointment comes at a significant time for the commission, which is constitutionally mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and ensure the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice.
The commission is established under Article 171 of the Constitution and operationalised through the Judicial Service Act of 2011.
Among its responsibilities are recommending candidates for appointment as judges, handling complaints against judicial officers and staff, overseeing their discipline, supporting continuing education and advising the government on improving the efficiency of the justice system.
Kibor brings more than a decade of experience within the commission.
He joined the JSC in 2012 as a Legal Researcher and progressively rose through the ranks, most recently serving as Assistant Director, Legal Services.
“Mr. Kibor brings to the position extensive institutional experience, having served the Judicial Service Commission since 2012. He joined the Commission as a Legal Researcher and has progressively risen through the ranks, most recently serving as Assistant Director, Legal Services. His progression within the Commission has equipped him with a deep understanding of its mandate, institutional framework and operations,” the JSC said.
The commission's secretariat is responsible for supporting the JSC in discharging its mandate, with the Registrar heading its day-to-day management.
The secretariat comprises directorates and departments dealing with areas including finance and administration, human resources, legal services, complaints management, information technology and public affairs.
Kibor is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 14 years of post-admission experience.
He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations, specialising in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, from the United States International University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University, and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
He has also undertaken the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, corporate governance training and other professional courses.
His appointment fills a vacancy that arose in March 2024 following the appointment of the then Registrar, Winfridah B. Mokaya, as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the JSC.
Since then, Isaac Wamaasa has served as Acting Registrar, providing continuity and leadership within the office.
The commission said the recruitment of Kibor followed a competitive process. The vacancy was advertised on January 16, 2026, while interviews were conducted on June 30.
“The appointment of Kibor follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Commission, following the advertisement of the vacancy on January 16, 2026, and interviews conducted on June 30, 2026. The Commission appreciates all applicants and candidates who participated in the recruitment process for their interest and willingness to serve the Judicial Service Commission,” the statement said.
The appointment comes as the JSC pursues broader institutional reforms focused on accountability, public confidence and strengthening the administration of justice.
In its 2026 priorities, the commission identified strengthening stakeholder engagement, public education and outreach, completing priority regulations and policies, and reviewing its 2022-2027 strategic plan among its key areas of focus.
The JSC also reported that its commissioners and committees held 230 meetings in 2025, illustrating the scale of its institutional responsibilities.
In May 2026, the commission requested Sh1.783 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to support its constitutional mandate, including recruitment, promotion, discipline and human-resource management within the Judiciary.
The JSC congratulated Kibor and said his appointment would contribute to its commitment to an independent, accountable and transparent justice system.
“The Judicial Service Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and facilitating the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the effective, efficient and transparent administration of justice,” the commission maintained.
Kibor now assumes the Registrar's office with responsibility for coordinating the commission's technical and shared services and supporting its wider institutional mandate.