Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has embarked on major recruitment drive to strengthen the judiciary’s capacity to enhance access to justice for all Kenyans.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategic effort to address the growing backlog of cases, improve service delivery and ease the burden on the judiciary human resource.

In a press statement, Chair of JSC and Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome disclosed that the commission is now proceeding to the next phase of processing the applications.

The advertised positions include 15 judges of the Court of Appeal that received 94 applications, 20 vacancies for Judges of the High Court against 376 received applications, 10 vacant positions for fudges for the Environment and Land Court against 242 applications received, 100 vacant resident magistrate positions against 1,714 applications and five vacancies for kadhi court against 253 applications received.

In view of the foregoing, Koome assured the public that the recruitment process will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws. She said the JSC remains firmly committed to the principles of meritocracy, fairness, transparency and integrity in all its operations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the commission does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process such as application, shortlisting, interviews or appointments,” Koome said.

The CJ urged members of the public to be vigilant and ignore any messages, calls or individuals purporting to offer employment or promotions within the judiciary in exchange for money or personal favours which she considers as fraudulent and criminal acts.

She called on anyone who encounters such attempts to report immediately to the relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) or to the JSC directly.

Meanwhile, Koome said JSC is constitutionally mandated under Article 172 of the Constitution of Kenya, to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the judiciary and to ensure effective, efficient and transparent administration of justice.

Additionally, she underlined the key responsibility of the commission is to ensure that the judiciary is adequately staffed with qualified and competent personnel to support the delivery of justice across the country.  She reiterated that the JSC is also responsible for the appointment of registrars, magistrates, Kadhis, members of tribunals and other judiciary staff.

According to Koome, the commission also acknowledges the gains made through the judiciary digitisation and automation agenda, including the nationwide roll-out of e-filing systems, which have significantly improved operational efficiency.

“Regrettably, the judiciary has recently experienced system outages that have significantly disrupted the e- filing system, hence affecting service delivery,” she said.

However, the CJ notified the public that the Judiciary is implementing its Business Continuity Policy by using alternative systems to ensure continued service delivery.

Koome announced that appropriate notices have been issued to court users in different fora through the Office of the Chief Registrar of the judiciary and the courts continue to offer services as the technical team prioritises the restoration of the system.

 She reaffirmed that the commission remains dedicated to ensuring the efficient and effective administration of justice for all Kenyans.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi