The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced 45 vacancies in the office of judges of the superior courts, months after freezing the exercise last year over budget cuts.

In a gazette notice dated June 4, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome announced 45 vacancies for 15 positions of the Judge of the Court of Appeal, 20 for the Judge of the High Court, and 10 for the Judge of the Environment and Land Court.

“Pursuant to sections 30 of the Judicial Service Act and section 3, part 11 of the first schedule of the Judicial Service Act 2011, I, Martha Koome, Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, for and on behalf of the Judiciary of Kenya, declare vacancies in the Office of the Judge of the court of Appeal of the Republic of Kenya,” the gazette notice read in part.

The announcement comes after JSC cancelled previously declared vacancies on January 22, 2025, citing budget constraints.

However, the Commission urged the government to provide more funding to ensure recruitment can proceed and to address logistics needs in the Judiciary.

“This is to notify the general public and applicants and/or shortlisted candidates that owing to financial restraints caused by budget cuts, the JSC has recalled the advertisement of the positions,” the notice read in part.

Koome said in the Gazette that court of Appeal judges have a retirement at age of 70 years with the option of retirement after attaining 65 years of age in accordance with article 167 (1) of the constitution.

Requirements for Appointment

For appointment to the position of Judge of the High Court, the applicant must hold a law degree from a recognized university or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction.

They must have at least ten years of experience as a judge or a professionally qualified magistrate: superior court.

Interested judges must also have at least ten years of experience as a distinguished academic, or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field.

How to Apply

The appointments shall be made in accordance with Article 166 (1) (b) as read with Article 162 (2) (b) and (3) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and section 30 and the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, 2011 and section 7 of the Environment and Land Court Act.

Interested and qualified persons are invited to visit the Commission’s jobs portal https://jsc.go.ke/jobs-2/, for instructions on how to apply.