The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) invites qualified and committed individuals to serve in Kenya’s judicial system through several high-level and constitutionally significant positions. This call for applications is part of a broader effort to enhance access to justice, promote judicial independence, and uphold the rule of law in Kenya. With a growing demand for timely and fair adjudication of disputes and legal matters, the JSC is looking to fill a variety of judicial vacancies ranging from magistrates to appellate court judges.
If you are a Kenyan citizen with a passion for justice, a strong moral compass, and the competence to dispense legal duties as mandated by the Constitution of Kenya, this is your opportunity to make a difference. The positions available cut across various levels of the Judiciary and include the Court of Appeal, High Court, Environment and Land Court, Magistracy, and Kadhis’ Courts.
Applications are open until July 7, 2025, and successful candidates must be prepared to serve in any part of the Republic of Kenya.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the available positions and job descriptions.
1. Judge of the Court of Appeal (15 Positions)
Job Reference No.: V/No. 14/2025
Vacancy No.: 15
Work Station: Any Court of Appeal station in Kenya
Job Description:
A Judge of the Court of Appeal shall be responsible for hearing and determining appeals from the High Court and any other court or tribunal as prescribed by an Act of Parliament. The Judge will sit in panels of at least three judges to hear appeals on both civil and criminal matters and will be expected to deliver fair, impartial, and reasoned decisions in accordance with the Constitution and statutes.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Preside over appellate hearings and provide leadership in judicial panels
- Write and deliver judgments and rulings in a timely and effective manner
- Interpret and apply the Constitution, statutes, and precedents
- Ensure justice is done to all parties and is seen to be done
- Uphold and defend judicial independence
- Participate in judicial education and mentorship
- Contribute to the development of jurisprudence in Kenya
Terms of Employment:
The Judge will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission and shall hold office in accordance with the Constitution.
2. Judge of the High Court (20 Positions)
Job Reference No.: V/No. 15/2025
Vacancy No.: 20
Work Station: High Court of Kenya, any station across the country
Job Description:
A Judge of the High Court is mandated to hear and determine all matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the High Court, which includes constitutional petitions, judicial reviews, civil and criminal cases, and matters concerning fundamental rights and freedoms.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Hear and determine cases before the High Court as per assigned stations
- Interpret the Constitution and statutes in dispensing justice
- Supervise and manage court proceedings, ensuring procedural fairness
- Write reasoned judgments and deliver rulings within stipulated timelines
- Contribute to the development of legal jurisprudence
- Handle election petitions, particularly relating to Members of Parliament
- Promote the efficient and effective administration of justice
Terms of Employment:
Appointment is constitutional, and judges serve until retirement age or as otherwise provided in the Constitution.
3. Judge of the Environment and Land Court (10 Positions)
Job Reference No.: V/No. 16/2025
Vacancy No.: 10
Work Station: Any Environment and Land Court station across Kenya
Job Description:
Judges in this division handle disputes relating to the environment, land use, planning, and property ownership. The court plays a pivotal role in resolving land-related conflicts and supporting sustainable development.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Hear and determine disputes related to environmental management, land use, and title ownership
- Interpret relevant environmental and land laws
- Preside over complex cases involving land succession and public land disputes
- Write clear, legally sound judgments and rulings
- Collaborate with stakeholders on legal matters concerning environment and land
- Support the development of Kenya’s land and environment jurisprudence
Terms of Employment:
The appointment is as provided for under the Environment and Land Court Act and the Constitution.
4. Resident Magistrate (100 Positions)
Job Reference No.: V/No. 17/2025
Vacancy No.: 100
Work Station: Any Resident Magistrate’s Court in Kenya
Job Description:
A Resident Magistrate will preside over criminal and civil matters in accordance with the jurisdiction conferred by various statutes. Magistrates are the first point of contact for most citizens seeking justice and play a crucial role in maintaining public confidence in the legal system.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Hear and determine cases in line with assigned jurisdiction
- Maintain courtroom decorum and manage case flow efficiently
- Conduct pre-trial conferences and promote alternative dispute resolution
- Write well-reasoned decisions, rulings, and judgments
- Provide leadership in court administration and registry functions
- Ensure fair trial rights are upheld and legal processes are followed
- Promote restorative justice and use non-custodial sentences where applicable
Terms of Employment:
Resident Magistrates will be posted in various court stations across the country and will serve under terms defined by the Judicial Service Act and public service regulations.
5. Resident Kadhi (5 Positions)
Job Reference No.: V/No. 18/2025
Vacancy No.: 5
Work Station: Any Kadhis’ Court across the Republic of Kenya
Job Description:
A Resident Kadhi serves in the Kadhis’ Court and is responsible for hearing and determining matters related to personal law among Muslims, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, in accordance with Islamic law.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Hear and determine disputes concerning Muslim personal law as provided under Article 170(5) of the Constitution
- Preside over matrimonial, divorce, and inheritance cases involving Muslims
- Offer legal guidance to parties and advise on Islamic jurisprudence
- Prepare and deliver reasoned rulings and decisions
- Assist in mediation and reconciliation within the Muslim community
- Support the protection of Muslim family values and religious freedoms
- Collaborate with other judicial officers to ensure access to justice
Terms of Employment:
Appointments are subject to the provisions of the Kadhis’ Courts Act, and appointees may be posted anywhere in the Republic.
Application Guidelines
All interested and qualified persons are invited to submit their applications by July 7, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) application platform as provided on the official website. Each application should clearly quote the relevant Job Reference Number.
Applicants must be willing to serve in any part of the Republic of Kenya and be committed to the ideals of fairness, independence, and integrity as required of all judicial officers.
Applicants must meet the requirements stipulated in the Constitution of Kenya, the Judicial Service Act, and other applicable statutes governing judicial appointments.
No hard copy submissions will be accepted.
Conclusion
Serving in the Judiciary is not just a career — it is a calling to uphold the rule of law, deliver justice, and serve the public without fear or favor. Whether you aspire to serve at the appellate level or bring justice closer to the people as a magistrate or kadhi, this is your opportunity to join a critical institution in Kenya’s governance structure.
