On 5th November 2024, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Kenya invited qualified and interested individuals to apply for multiple vacant positions within their offices. These vacancies were advertised through print media and on the OAG & DOJ website, attracting a considerable number of applicants. The process is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance its workforce and provide employment opportunities to skilled Kenyans.
Overview of the Advertisement
The advertisement invited applicants for four key positions:
- State Counsel II (CSG 9)
- Assistant Office Administrator III (CSG 12)
- Legal Clerk Assistant IV (CSG 13)
- Office Assistant II (CSG 16)
The application window closed on 21st November 2024, after which the total number of applications received was 33,418. From this pool, 1,035 candidates were shortlisted for interviews scheduled to take place between 10th March 2025 and 21st March 2025.
Breakdown of Applications and Shortlisting
A closer look at the application and shortlisting statistics reveals the following details:
| S/No | Post | Grade | V. No. | No. of Posts | No. of Applicants | No. Shortlisted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | State Counsel II | CSG 9 | 3/2024 | 78 | 2,783 | 400 |
| 2 | Assistant Office Administrator III | CSG 12 | 4/2024 | 30 | 5,464 | 230 |
| 3 | Legal Clerk Assistant IV | CSG 13 | 5/2024 | 30 | 9,575 | 205 |
| 4 | Office Assistant II | CSG 16 | 6/2024 | 30 | 15,596 | 200 |
| Total | 168 | 33,418 | 1,035 |
The table shows that the highest number of applicants were for the position of Office Assistant II (15,596 applications), followed by Legal Clerk Assistant IV (9,575 applications). Despite the high number of applications, only a select few were shortlisted, reflecting the competitive nature of the recruitment process.
Position Analysis
1. State Counsel II (CSG 9)
This position attracted 2,783 applicants for 78 vacancies. The role is critical in the legal framework, requiring individuals with legal expertise to provide advisory and representation services to the government. Out of the applicants, 400 candidates were shortlisted. This reflects a competitive selection ratio, highlighting the demand for legal professionals in the public service.
2. Assistant Office Administrator III (CSG 12)
With 5,464 applicants vying for 30 positions, the role of Assistant Office Administrator III is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of office operations. Only 230 candidates made it to the shortlist, emphasizing the need for skilled administrative personnel with strong organizational and communication abilities.
3. Legal Clerk Assistant IV (CSG 13)
This position saw 9,575 applicants competing for 30 posts, with 205 shortlisted candidates. Legal Clerk Assistants are pivotal in supporting legal teams by managing documentation, scheduling, and other clerical duties. The high number of applicants reflects the interest in legal administrative roles within the public sector.
4. Office Assistant II (CSG 16)
The most competitive position, Office Assistant II, received 15,596 applications for 30 available posts. The role involves supporting general office operations, ensuring cleanliness, and assisting with basic clerical tasks. With only 200 shortlisted candidates, this entry-level position demonstrated the significant demand for government jobs in Kenya.
Shortlisting and Interview Process
The shortlisting process adhered to stringent criteria to select the most qualified candidates. Factors considered included educational qualifications, relevant experience, and adherence to the application guidelines. The OAG & DOJ emphasized merit-based selection to ensure transparency and fairness.
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates are scheduled from 10th March 2025 to 21st March 2025. The OAG & DOJ will provide details on interview schedules, including venue, time, and required documents on their official website www.statelaw.go.ke. Candidates are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates.
Call for Public Input
In an effort to maintain integrity and transparency, the OAG & DOJ has invited members of the public to submit any adverse information regarding any shortlisted candidate. Such information should be submitted under confidential cover before 10th March 2025 to the Solicitor General at the following address:
The Solicitor General
Sheria House, Harambee Avenue
P.O. Box 40112 – 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
This measure demonstrates the department’s commitment to accountability and public participation in the recruitment process.
Transparency and Public Service Commitment
This recruitment drive is a testament to the OAG & DOJ’s commitment to strengthening the public service workforce. By openly inviting applications and ensuring a transparent shortlisting process, the department reinforces public confidence in government recruitment practices.
The involvement of the public in verifying the credibility of candidates is a notable move towards participatory governance. It ensures that only candidates of high integrity and competence are selected, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the public service.
Impact on Employment and Public Service
With a total of 168 vacancies across four roles, this recruitment exercise contributes significantly to employment opportunities in Kenya. It addresses the high demand for public sector jobs, particularly among youth and recent graduates seeking entry-level positions.
Moreover, the positions are integral to the operations of the OAG & DOJ, ensuring effective legal representation, administrative support, and general office functionality. Successful candidates will play a crucial role in enhancing service delivery within the justice system.
Challenges and Observations
Despite the promising opportunity, the recruitment process underscores the intense competition for public service jobs in Kenya. The large number of applicants compared to the limited vacancies highlights the unemployment challenge facing the country.
The high volume of applications also places significant pressure on the recruitment team to conduct a thorough and fair selection process within a limited timeframe. Nevertheless, the structured approach adopted by the OAG & DOJ demonstrates their capability to manage the process efficiently.
Conclusion
The 2024 recruitment exercise by the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice is a commendable initiative that underscores the government’s commitment to public service delivery and employment creation. It not only provides career opportunities but also enhances the operational efficiency of the justice system.
By maintaining transparency, inviting public input, and ensuring merit-based selection, the OAG & DOJ sets a positive example for public sector recruitment. As the shortlisted candidates prepare for interviews in March 2025, the nation watches with anticipation to see the next generation of public servants who will uphold justice and contribute to Kenya’s development.
For more information on the shortlisting process, interview schedules, and required documents, candidates and the public are encouraged to visit the official website at www.statelaw.go.ke.
Click below to view the list of shortlisted candidates
