Judicial Service Commission|

VACANCIES ANNOUNCEMENT

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is a Constitutional Commission established under Article 171 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the Judiciary and the efficient, effective, and transparent administration of justice.

Following the declaration of vacancies in the Office of Judge of the High Court vide Gazette Notice No. 7319 dated 4th June 2025,  the JSC invites applications from qualified persons to fill the vacancies pursuant to Article 172(1)(a) and as read with Article 166 (1)(b), (2) and (5),   Section 30  of the Judicial Service Act and the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act (No. 1 of 2011).

Job Title: JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

Job Reference Number: V/NO.15/2025

Number Of Posts: 20

Job Grade:

Terms Of Service: Retirement at the age of seventy (70) years with the option for early retirement after attaining the age of sixty –five (65) years in accordance with Article 167(1) of the Constitution

Remuneration: Based on guidelines by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission of Kenya, Gross Monthly Remuneration Package excluding benefits is Minimum of Kshs. Kshs. 750,000 and a Maximum of Kshs. 1,029,691

Job Purpose:

A Judge of the High Court shall serve in the High Court of Kenya. The  function and jurisdiction of the Court is  provided for under Article 165 (3) and  (7)

Reporting Responsibilities:

Area of Deployment:

A Judge of the High Court shall serve in the High Court of Kenya. The function and jurisdiction of the Court is  provided for under Article 165 (3) and  (7),

Functions of the Judge of the High Court::

A Judge of the High Court shall serve in the High Court of Kenya. The  function and jurisdiction of the Court is  provided for under Article 165 (3) and  (7), namely;  
(a)	unlimited original jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters;
 (b)	jurisdiction to determine the question whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed or threatened;
 (c)	jurisdiction to hear an appeal from a decision of a tribunal appointed under this Constitution to consider the removal of a person from office, other than a tribunal appointed under Article 144; (d)	jurisdiction to hear any question respecting the interpretation of this Constitution including the determination of— (i)	the question whether any law is inconsistent with or in contravention of this Constitution; (ii)	the question whether anything said to be done under the authority of this Constitution or of any law is inconsistent with, or in contravention of, this Constitution;
 (iii)	any matter relating to constitutional powers of State organs in respect of county governments and any matter relating to the constitutional relationship between the levels of government; and (iv)	a question relating to conflict of laws under Article 191; and (e)	any other jurisdiction, original or appellate, conferred on it by legislation. 
(f)	The High Court has supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate courts and over any person, body or authority exercising a judicial or quasi-judicial function, but not over a superior court.

Constitutional and Statutory Requirements for Appointment:

For appointment to the position of Judge of the High Court, the applicant must possess the following minimum qualifications set out in Article 166 (2) (a), (b)and (c) as read with Sub Article (5) (a) (b) and (c) of the Constitution, namely:

1.	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;

2.	(a) Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a superior court judge or a professionally qualified magistrate; 

or
(b)	Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a distinguished academic, or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field;

or
(c)	Have held the qualifications specified in paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) above for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to ten (10) years; and

(d)	Possess the experience required under paragraph 2 (a),(b) and (c) above as applicable, irrespective of whether that experience was gained in Kenya or in another Commonwealth Common-Law jurisdiction; and  

3.	Have a high moral character, integrity and impartiality (meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity).

In addition, the applicants should demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment, wide breath of both legal and life experience and demonstrable commitment to public and community service.

The appointment shall be made in accordance with Article 166 (1)(b), (2) and (5) of the 2010 Constitution and Section 30, Part V and the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, No. 1 of 2011.

Job Requirements: Academic and Professional Qualifications:

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
Be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a Common-law jurisdiction;

Experience:

Job Core Competencies:

High level of Integrity

Professional and Technical competence

Terms & Conditions:

The appointment shall be made in accordance with Article 166 (1)(b), (2) and (5) of the 2010 Constitution and Section 30, Part V and the First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, No. 1 of 2011.
HOW TO APPLY:

Interested and qualified persons are requested to make their applications by:
1.	Filling an Online Application for Employment Form available at the JSC jobs portal: https://jsc.go.ke/jobs-2/. Applicants should upload soft copies of the following documents to the online application: 
(a)	A letter of application.
(b)	A detailed and updated curriculum vitae, to include background information such as community service, financial discipline, pro bono activity (if any), involvement as a party in litigation and involvement in political activity including financial contribution to political party parties (if any) and criminal record, professional engagement, three (3) professional references and two (2) character references who can verify and comment on the applicant’s past and present employment;
(c)	Names of three (3) professional references and two (2) character references who can verify and comment about the applicant’s past and present employment or engagement; (please provide updated contacts – email and phone);
(d)	Copies of Testimonials, National ID/ passport, professional certificates, and academic transcripts 
(e)	A copy of Certificate of Admission to the Roll of Advocates. 
(f)	Copy of a Clearance certificate from Advocates Complaints Commission.
(g)	Current practicing certificate.
(h)	Applicant’s recent colored passport-size photograph
(i)	Five (5) sample writings of any professional writings, including but not limited to judgments, advocacy submissions in courts, scholarly writings or any legal publications that the applicant has authored. 
(j)	Declaration of income and liabilities as at the time of making the application, using the prescribed forms. The Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities Form JSC 2b can be downloaded from the JSC website – www.jsc.go.ke – Careers.

(k)	Public officers should attach copies of returns of declarations of income, asset and liabilities for the last three declarations. Those in private practice should attach audited accounts and tax returns for the last three (3) years.
2.	Applicants are also required to forward one (1) hard copy of the completed Application for Employment Form including copies of all attachments cited above to:
THE SECRETARY,
JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION,
Commission Offices: CBK Pension Towers, 13th Floor,
Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
3.	Shortlisted candidates will be required to carry the following documents during the interview:

i)	Valid original clearance certificates from the following bodies during the interview:
a)	Kenya Revenue Authority,
b)	Higher Education Loans Board,
c)	Law Society of Kenya,
d)	Directorate of Criminal Investigations,
e)	Advocates Complaints Commission,
f)	Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission and 
g)	 A recognized Credit Reference Bureau.

ii)	Original testimonials, professional certificates, academic transcripts and certificate of admission to the roll of Advocates.

Applicants MUST take note that it is a criminal offence to provide false information and documents in the job application and the same will be verified by relevant bodies.

The applications must reach the Commission NOT LATER THAN 30TH JUNE, 2025 AT 5.00PM

NOTES: 1.	Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.  2.	Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.  3.	Successful candidates will be required to submit valid copies of clearance certificates from the following bodies: - •	Kenya Revenue Authority, •	Higher Education Loans Board, •	Directorate of Criminal Investigation,  •	Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission,  •	a recognized Credit Reference Bureau, and  •	Certificate of Good Standing from Law Society of Kenya. •	Clearance from relevant professional body.  4.	The Judicial Service Commission is committed to implementing the provision of Article 232 of the Constitution on fair competition and merit, representation of Kenya’s diverse communities and affording equal employment opportunities to men, women, members of all ethnic groups and persons with disabilities. 5.	Shortlisted candidates shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity card, academic and professional certificates and transcripts,  Certificate of Admission to roll of advocate during interview. 6.	The Commission will verify certificates submitted with respective institutions. It is observed that it is a criminal offense to present fake documents or false information THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. PLEASE NOTE THAT JSC RECRUITMENT SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE THE SECRETARY, JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION, P.O. BOX 40048 – 00100 NAIROBI, Telephone: +254 20-2739180 E-mail: recruitment@jsc.go.ke 			CBK Pension Towers, 13th Floor. Harambee Avenue, Nairobi