The Judicial Service Commission has announced it will begin interviews for candidates shortlisted for the position of High Court Judge on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, JSC said they received 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates.
The Commission advertised 20 vacancies for Kenyans to apply.
The interviews will run from April 3 to 30 and will be streamed on their YouTube and Facebook pages.
In a gazette notice on October 6, 2023, the JSC declared 20 vacancies for the post of High Court judge.
On October 13, the Commission invited qualified persons to apply for the 20 vacant posts. The deadline for the application was November 3, 2023, at 5 pm.
"Interested and qualified persons are requested to make their application by filling an Online Application for Employment Form available at the Commission's jobs portal," the JSC notice reads.
"They should upload soft copies of documents including a letter of application, and a detailed and updated CV summarising their bio-data including community service, financial discipline and pro-bono activity."
On March 27, the Former Law Society of Kenya president Nelson Havi petitioned to suspend the interviews.
Havi discredited the participation of the outgoing representative to the JSC Macharia Njeru in shortlisting and interviewing the applicants.
The Former LSK President wanted the interviews suspended until a petition he has filed before the Employment and Labour Court is heard and determined.
In the petition, he sued the JSC and Commissioner Njeru.
He argued that Njeru ceased having the representative legitimacy and mandate of advocates to the Commission following the election of Omwanza Ombati on February 29, 2024.
Havi argued that Njeru's powers are limited owing to the current transition.
"The petitioner has suffered and will continue to suffer misrepresentation at the JSC by Njeru whose elective representative mandate ended with the election of Omwanza," Havi said.
A High Court judge enjoys benefits including a gross monthly remuneration package ranging from Sh750,000 to Sh1,029,691.
The judge is mandated with unlimited original jurisdiction in both criminal and civil matters and jurisdiction to hear any question respecting the interpretation of the Constitution.
Further, they have the jurisdiction to determine the question of whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed or threatened.
A High Court judge also has supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate courts and any person, body or authority exercising a judicial function, but not over a superior court.
