Kenya Rushes to Hire Supreme Court Judge Before 2027 Vote

Kenya's Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has started the search for a new Supreme Court judge. The move aims to return the nation's highest court to its full strength of seven judges before the next presidential election. The court has been operating with only six judges since 2021. A full bench is considered crucial for handling the complex and high-stakes legal disputes expected from the 2027 election. The hiring process comes after public pressure from Chief Justice Martha Koome. She has repeatedly stated that a complete bench is necessary for the court to function effectively and maintain public confidence. The JSC has now invited applications for the position. A shortlist, public interviews, and a final nomination to the President will follow. The successful candidate will serve until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 70.