The Judicial Service Commission has nominated 37 candidates for appointment as judges of the High Court and the Environment and Land Court, in what signals a major push to strengthen Kenya’s justice system.
The nominations come at a time when the Judiciary is under growing pressure to deal firmly with corruption allegations within its ranks.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also chairs the commission, made it clear that the ongoing reforms will go hand in hand with a tough stance on integrity.
She warned that judicial officers implicated in graft will face action, stressing that the Judiciary cannot afford to lose public trust.
Koome said the institution is reviewing findings and complaints linked to corruption, adding that those found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The nomination of the 37 judges is expected to help address case backlogs and improve access to justice, especially in land and environment matters which have long faced delays.
The move is also part of wider efforts to rebuild confidence in the courts, amid concerns over claims of bribery, case fixing and interference in judicial processes.
Under Kenya’s system, the JSC is mandated to recruit and recommend judges for appointment by the President, subject to vetting, as part of safeguarding the independence of the Judiciary.
The latest developments come against the backdrop of increased scrutiny of the justice sector, with anti-corruption agencies and oversight bodies intensifying investigations into alleged misconduct involving some judicial officers.
Koome maintained that restoring integrity in the Judiciary remains a top priority, noting that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.
The shortlisted candidates will now undergo the next stages of the appointment process, as the Judiciary moves to fill gaps and improve service delivery across the country.
