CJ Koome Says Finance Bill Withdrawal Pauses Court of Appeal Judges’ Recruitment
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended the scheduled recruitment of 11 Court of Appeal judges.
Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that the decision is part of the measures put in place to implement the National Treasury’s directive to reduce expenditure by at least 15% in the appropriated budget.
She stated that as a result, spending is now restricted to basic necessities.
The JSC Statement on suspension of the recruitment of Judges of the Court of Appeal. pic.twitter.com/gGmSmC3Dqi
— Judicial Service Commission Kenya (JSC) (@jsckenya) July 3, 2024
“In this regard, we are compelled to make major adjustments to planned programs and activities. Regrettably, this has necessitated the decision by the JSC to suspend all pending recruitments including the 11 Judges of the Court of Appeal which was scheduled to commence today,” Koome who is chairperson of the JSC said.
The Chief Justice stated that the Court of Appeal has 29 judges serving in three locations across the country, with a total of 13,331 pending cases as of May 2024.
Koome stated that they have worked to increase the maximum number of judges from 30 to 70 by amending the Judicature Act, Cap 8 Laws of Kenya.
She also stated that resources had to be channeled to secure the Makadara Law Courts following the incident that resulted in the death of Justice Monica Kivuti and that they require additional resources this fiscal year to address their most pressing needs.
Koome also promised to work with the Executive and the Legislature to strengthen and secure the judiciary and JSC budgets.
In April, the JSC selected 41 candidates to be interviewed for the 11 positions.
Of the shortlisted candidates, 32 are currently serving as judges, while nine are practicing lawyers.
The JSC announced vacancies for 11 positions and invited qualified candidates to apply by February 9, 2024.
CJ Koome Says Finance Bill Withdrawal Pauses Court of Appeal Judges’ Recruitment
