The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 15 candidates for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal after concluding a rigorous, transparent and highly competitive recruitment process conducted through live public interviews.
In a statement released Tuesday evening , the Commission said it has concluded the recruitment and selection process and is now transmitting the names of the nominees to President William Ruto for appointment in accordance with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution.
JSC said the recruitment exercise included public advertisement of vacancies, public participation before shortlisting, public interviews and comprehensive vetting carried out in line with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and applicable regulations.
The Commission said it was guided by constitutional principles including merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance, with candidates assessed on professional competence, communication skills, integrity, sound judgement, legal and life experience, and commitment to public service, the rule of law and constitutionalism.
Among those nominated are lawyer Katwa Kigen and Ahmed Issack Hassan, the former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The full list of nominees includes Justice Hedwig Ong’udi, Justice Nduma Nderi, Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Justice Chacha Mwita, Justice Lucy Njuguna, Justice Samson Okongo, Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Justice Stephen Radido, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Justice Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello and Justice Byram Ongaya.
The Commission said once appointed, the additional judges will raise the capacity of the Court of Appeal from 27 to 42 judges, strengthening its ability to address the existing backlog of cases and enhancing access to justice through timely hearing and determination of appeals.
