The list of shortlisted candidates for the Court of Appeal positions has drawn interest after the Judicial Service Commission named 35 individuals who will be interviewed for the 15 available slots.
Among them is lawyer Katwa Kigen, a familiar figure in both legal and political spaces due to his past association with President William Ruto. Kigen, who once defended Ruto at the International Criminal Court during the post-election violence trials, now finds himself among seasoned legal professionals competing for one of the most sought-after judicial appointments in the country.
The JSC received 94 applications before the July 7, 2025, deadline, but only 35 candidates met the set qualifications. The move to fill these positions comes as part of the judiciary’s plan to strengthen the Court of Appeal and address the rising number of pending cases.
For years, the court system has struggled with delays that have affected the timely delivery of justice, prompting the need for additional judges to ease the workload.
Among those shortlisted are respected names from various divisions of the judiciary. High Court Judge Chacha Mwita, Employment and Labour Relations Court Judge Stephen Radido, and IPOA Chairperson Isaack Hassan are among the most notable.
The list also includes Justices Joseph Kiplagat Sergon, Yuvinalis Maronga Angima, Oscar Amugo Angote, and Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, all of whom have extensive judicial experience.
Their inclusion reflects the JSC’s preference for candidates with a proven record in legal service and a deep understanding of the justice system.Katwa Kigen’s inclusion has, however, sparked mixed reactions.
While many in the legal community acknowledge his legal expertise and courtroom discipline, others have raised questions about whether his close ties to President Ruto could influence the process.
Kigen’s relationship with the President dates back to the ICC years, where his defence work earned him national recognition.
Despite these concerns, the JSC has stated that the selection process remains transparent and based solely on merit, guided by the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act.
Applicants for the appellate positions must meet strict qualifications, including at least a decade of experience as a superior court judge or in an equivalent legal role.
They must also demonstrate integrity, competence, and professionalism, in line with Article 166 of the Constitution. The commission has promised to conduct interviews fairly and to submit the final list to the President for appointment once the process is complete.
The upcoming recruitment follows a year-long delay after the judiciary’s budget was slashed by 15 percent, forcing a temporary freeze on new appointments.
With the new process underway, the judiciary aims to restore efficiency, reduce the backlog of cases, and ensure faster handling of appeals.
Judges appointed to the Court of Appeal will serve until the retirement age of 70, with the option to retire at 65. The position comes with a generous monthly salary, ranging between Ksh775,845 and Ksh1,187,152, according to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Beyond the pay, the role carries significant responsibility, as the Court of Appeal is a critical pillar in ensuring justice is applied consistently across the country. The new appointments are therefore expected to strengthen Kenya’s judiciary and bring much-needed stability to an overburdened appellate system.
Add Comment