The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced the cancellation of 16 job vacancies for judges in the superior courts, citing financial constraints caused by budget cuts.
In a notice published on Wednesday, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya revealed that the decision affects 11 positions in the Court of Appeal and five positions in the High Court. The vacancies, initially advertised on February 9, 2024, were intended to bolster the judiciary’s capacity amid a growing backlog of cases.
“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 called the advertisement of the positions,” read part of the notice.
The revocation follows a series of Gazette notices, including one dated January 30, 2024, that declared the 11 positions in the Court of Appeal vacant, and another dated February 5, 2024, which outlined five High Court vacancies. The cancellation also impacts a notice issued on April 22, 2024, detailing the names of applicants, shortlisted candidates, and the interview schedule.
JSC Secretary Mokaya apologized for the inconvenience caused to applicants, providing the public with contact information for further clarification. Individuals seeking more information can reach the commission via telephone at +254202739180, email at jscsecretariat@jsc.go.ke, or by visiting the JSC offices located at CBK Pension Towers, 13th Floor, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi.
The decision highlights the Judiciary’s ongoing struggle with financial constraints, which have hindered efforts to address case backlogs and ensure timely justice. Despite a meeting in January 2024 that included all branches of government and promises of budgetary support from the Executive and Legislature, the Judiciary’s funding challenges remain unresolved.
In July 2024, the JSC had already suspended the recruitment of 11 Court of Appeal judges in response to expenditure cuts mandated by the National Treasury. The current revocation underscores the deepening financial strain on the Judiciary, which continues to face growing demands for more judges to address Kenya’s overwhelming case backlog.
Legal practitioners and stakeholders have expressed concerns that the lack of sufficient judicial officers will exacerbate delays in case resolution, undermining access to justice. As the Judiciary navigates these financial hurdles, there is a pressing need for sustainable solutions to bolster its capacity and ensure the delivery of justice for all Kenyans.
