The process to expand the High Court’s bench has taken a major step forward after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) unveiled a list of 100 shortlisted candidates vying for appointment as Judges of the High Court of Kenya.
The list, released on Thursday, October 23, 2025, follows the Commission’s public call for applications issued on June 9, 2025, to fill 20 vacant High Court positions. By the close of submissions on July 7, the JSC had received 377 applications, all of which underwent a detailed evaluation to verify compliance with constitutional, academic, and professional standards.
In a statement, the Commission confirmed that it conducted a rigorous vetting process before arriving at the shortlist. “After assessing the applications for completeness and conformity with the eligibility criteria, 100 applicants were shortlisted for the next phase of the selection process,” the notice read in part.
The shortlisted candidates represent a diverse mix of experience drawn from the judiciary, private legal practice, and public service. Among those who made the cut are former Nyeri Woman Representative and lawyer Priscilla Nyokabi Kanyua, Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina, Esther Kalunde Kimilu, Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey, Peter Oduor Ooko, and Dr. Andrew Barney Wanjala Khakula.
The list also features several serving judicial officers, including Esther Boke, David Wanjohi Mburu, Harrison Omwima Barasa, Nathan Shiundu Lutta, Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga, and Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, signaling the Commission’s continued trust in career judicial officers seeking promotion to the High Court.
In addition, seasoned advocates such as Henry Faraj Chipinde, Patricia Naeku Leparashao, Anne Mary Apondi Okothuyi, John Paul Mugo Kamau, Elizabeth Kathiwa Usoi, and Anne Waruhiu Nyambura also feature prominently, reflecting strong representation from Kenya’s legal profession.
The academic and public law sectors are equally represented, with names like Dr. Nahili Mokaya Orina and Andrew Chege Waitaira, both of whom have played significant roles in public policy and law reform. Their inclusion underscores the Commission’s aim to draw from a wide pool of expertise to strengthen judicial capacity and promote a balanced bench.
The JSC stated that interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be conducted in the coming weeks, with the schedule to be announced in due course. Members of the public have been invited to submit written comments or relevant information regarding any of the candidates to enhance transparency in the process.
Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and merit-based recruitment, the Commission said the process will be fair, open, and competitive. Once completed, the appointment of 20 new High Court Judges is expected to ease case backlogs, enhance access to justice, and improve service delivery across the judiciary.
