NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 2 — The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will on Wednesday begin interviews to recruit 20 new judges to the High Court of Kenya from a pool of 100 shortlisted candidates.
In a statement issued on Monday, the commission said the interviews form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the judiciary and enhance access to justice nationwide.
“The Judicial Service Commission will on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, commence interviews for the position of Judge of the High Court, aimed at filling 20 vacancies from a pool of 100 shortlisted candidates,” the JSC said.
Among those shortlisted are former Nyeri Woman Representative Priscilla Nyokabi, Supreme Court Registrar Letizia Wachira, as well as a mix of seasoned advocates, magistrates and legal scholars.
Other candidates scheduled to appear before the panel include Elizabeth Achieng Agutu, Naima Sheikh Ahmed, Neddie Eve Adhiambo Akello, Adelaide Amimo Akong’a, Brian Pratt Ayodo, Harrison Omwima Barasa, Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, Esther Boke, Conrad Mugoya Bosire, Gad Kipkirui Chemoryat and Henry Faraji Chipinde.
To promote transparency and public participation, the JSC said it has developed an information booklet outlining the recruitment process, selection criteria and profiles of all shortlisted candidates.
“To enhance transparency, accountability and public participation, the Commission has developed an information booklet detailing the recruitment process, selection criteria and profiles of the shortlisted candidates,” the statement added.
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The interviews are scheduled to run until March 4, 2026.
The High Court recruitment comes barely days after President William Ruto swore in 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal at State House, Nairobi, on January 28.
Nine of the judges were promoted from the High Court following nominations by the JSC, with the appointments formalized through a Gazette Notice dated January 27.
The appointments were aimed at easing a severe shortage at the Court of Appeal, which has been operating with just 27 judges against a statutory capacity of 70.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs the JSC, said the selection process is anchored on merit, integrity, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance, with candidates assessed on professional competence, experience, communication skills, integrity and commitment to constitutionalism.
The High Court is a central pillar of Kenya’s judicial system, handling constitutional, criminal, civil and commercial matters. The planned recruitment is expected to ease case backlogs and improve the delivery of justice across the country.
