The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced several vacancies across various tribunals and senior management positions within the Judiciary. Established under Article 171 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the Judicial Service Commission is mandated to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary while ensuring the efficient, effective, and transparent administration of justice.
The Commission is inviting applications from qualified and suitable candidates to fill a range of positions in specialized tribunals as well as leadership roles within the Judiciary’s administrative and strategic functions.
These opportunities provide professionals with a chance to contribute to Kenya’s justice system, governance, organizational performance, policy implementation, risk management, public communication, auditing, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The vacancies available are outlined below.
1. Chairperson, Land Acquisition Tribunal
Number of Positions: 1
The Land Acquisition Tribunal plays a critical role in hearing and determining disputes arising from compulsory land acquisition processes.
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be for a term of four (4) years.
- Eligible for reappointment for one additional term of four (4) years.
- Service shall be on a part-time basis.
Key Role
The Chairperson will provide leadership and direction to the Tribunal and oversee the fair and effective adjudication of disputes relating to land acquisition matters.
2. Chairperson, National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal
Number of Positions: 1
The National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal is established under Section 67 (1) of the Civil Aviation Act, CAP 394.
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be for a term of three (3) years.
- Eligible for reappointment for one additional term of three (3) years.
Key Role
The Chairperson will provide strategic and judicial leadership to the Tribunal while ensuring effective hearing and determination of matters arising within the civil aviation sector.
3. Chairperson, Business Premises Rent Tribunal
Number of Positions: 1
The Business Premises Rent Tribunal is responsible for handling disputes involving landlords and tenants of controlled business premises.
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be for a period of three (3) years.
- Eligible for reappointment for one additional term of three (3) years.
- Service shall be on a part-time basis.
Key Role
The successful candidate will lead the Tribunal in resolving disputes concerning tenancy agreements, rent reviews, termination notices, and related matters.
4. Member, Business Premises Rent Tribunal
Number of Positions: 3
The Tribunal requires additional members to support its adjudicative mandate.
Terms of Service
- Members shall serve in accordance with the relevant legal provisions governing the Tribunal.
- Persons other than public officers appointed under the applicable provisions shall receive emoluments or allowances as determined by the Judicial Service Commission.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in Tribunal hearings.
- Review evidence and submissions presented before the Tribunal.
- Contribute to fair and impartial decision-making.
- Assist in ensuring timely resolution of disputes.
- Support implementation of the Tribunal’s mandate.
5. Member, Political Parties Dispute Tribunal – Advocate
Number of Positions: 9
The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) is responsible for resolving disputes involving political parties and related electoral matters.
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be on an ad hoc basis.
- Tenure shall not exceed one (1) year.
- Service shall be on a part-time basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Hear and determine disputes arising under the Political Parties Act.
- Participate in Tribunal proceedings and deliberations.
- Review legal submissions and evidence.
- Contribute to lawful and impartial decisions.
- Promote access to justice in political party disputes.
6. Member, Political Parties Dispute Tribunal – Non-Advocate
Number of Positions: 9
The Tribunal is also seeking non-advocate members to support its operations and decision-making processes.
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be on an ad hoc basis.
- Tenure shall not exceed one (1) year.
- Service shall be on a part-time basis.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in Tribunal proceedings.
- Review matters presented before the Tribunal.
- Contribute professional expertise during deliberations.
- Support impartial and objective decision-making.
- Assist in achieving the Tribunal’s statutory mandate.
7. Director, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Five (5) year contract.
- Reports directly to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.
Position Overview
The Director of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications will provide strategic leadership in communication, public engagement, stakeholder relations, media management, and institutional branding.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic communication frameworks.
- Provide leadership in public affairs and stakeholder engagement.
- Coordinate media relations and public information dissemination.
- Promote public awareness of Judiciary programs and initiatives.
- Manage corporate reputation and institutional image.
- Oversee communication campaigns and public outreach programs.
- Advise Judiciary leadership on communication strategies.
- Strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary.
This position is crucial in ensuring transparent communication between the Judiciary and the public.
8. Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Number of Positions: 1
Directorate: Strategy, Planning and Organizational Productivity
Terms of Service
- Contract position renewable upon satisfactory performance.
Position Overview
The Deputy Director will support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of strategic initiatives across the Judiciary.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate strategic planning processes.
- Monitor implementation of institutional strategic objectives.
- Develop performance measurement frameworks.
- Prepare monitoring and evaluation reports.
- Facilitate data-driven decision-making.
- Support resource planning and organizational development.
- Coordinate institutional performance reviews.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms.
The role supports the Judiciary’s efforts toward continuous improvement and strategic alignment.
9. Deputy Director, Research and Data Analytics
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Five (5) year contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will lead research initiatives and promote evidence-based decision-making through data analytics and institutional research.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate Judiciary research programs.
- Lead data collection and analysis activities.
- Develop analytical reports for management.
- Support policy development through research findings.
- Strengthen institutional knowledge management.
- Identify emerging trends affecting judicial administration.
- Promote utilization of data in decision-making.
- Enhance organizational learning and innovation.
10. Deputy Director, Organizational Productivity and Quality Assurance
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Five-year renewable contract subject to satisfactory performance.
Position Overview
The position focuses on enhancing institutional efficiency, service delivery standards, and quality management systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop productivity improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate quality assurance programs.
- Monitor service delivery standards.
- Implement organizational performance improvement strategies.
- Conduct quality audits and assessments.
- Recommend process improvement measures.
- Promote continuous improvement culture.
- Support organizational excellence initiatives.
11. Deputy Director, Internal Audit
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Five-year renewable contract subject to satisfactory performance.
Position Overview
The Deputy Director will provide leadership in internal audit functions to strengthen accountability, compliance, and governance within the Judiciary.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate internal audit activities.
- Develop audit plans and programs.
- Conduct risk-based audits.
- Evaluate internal control systems.
- Review compliance with policies and regulations.
- Prepare audit reports and recommendations.
- Monitor implementation of audit findings.
- Strengthen governance and accountability frameworks.
12. Deputy Director, Risk Management
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Five-year renewable contract subject to satisfactory performance.
Position Overview
The role focuses on identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks that may affect the Judiciary’s operations and strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop risk management frameworks.
- Coordinate enterprise risk assessments.
- Monitor institutional risk exposure.
- Prepare risk management reports.
- Recommend mitigation strategies.
- Promote risk awareness across the organization.
- Strengthen business continuity initiatives.
- Support organizational resilience programs.
13. Assistant Director, Information Systems Audit
Number of Positions: 1
Terms of Service
- Permanent and Pensionable.
Position Overview
The Assistant Director will oversee information systems auditing activities aimed at safeguarding information assets and ensuring the integrity of technology systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct information systems audits.
- Evaluate ICT controls and security measures.
- Assess compliance with ICT policies and standards.
- Identify technology-related risks.
- Recommend improvements to ICT governance.
- Support cybersecurity assurance initiatives.
- Prepare audit reports and recommendations.
- Strengthen ICT accountability frameworks.
This role supports secure and efficient management of the Judiciary’s information systems.
14. Member, Industrial Property Tribunal – Non-Advocate
Number of Positions: 2
Terms of Service
- Appointment shall be for three (3) years.
- Service shall be on a part-time basis.
- Eligible for reappointment.
Position Overview
The Industrial Property Tribunal is responsible for hearing disputes related to industrial property rights and intellectual property matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in Tribunal hearings.
- Review submissions and evidence.
- Contribute to determination of disputes.
- Promote fair adjudication of industrial property matters.
- Support implementation of intellectual property laws.
- Assist in delivery of timely and impartial decisions.
Why These Opportunities Matter
The advertised positions provide an opportunity for professionals to contribute directly to the administration of justice, governance, institutional effectiveness, dispute resolution, policy implementation, risk management, research, communication, and organizational development within Kenya’s Judiciary.
The vacancies also offer opportunities for professionals interested in serving in specialized tribunals that play a significant role in resolving disputes affecting land acquisition, aviation, business tenancy, political parties, and industrial property rights.
Successful candidates will become part of institutions that support the rule of law, access to justice, accountability, and public service excellence.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the required Judicial Service Commission application documents, including:
- JSC Employment Form
- Asset and Liabilities Declaration Form
Applications should be submitted through the Judicial Service Commission recruitment portal before the respective closing dates indicated in the official vacancy announcements.
