The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has announced a vacancy for a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The vacancy for a Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya arose following the death of Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Khadhar Ibrahim, who passed away on December 17, 2025, at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness while receiving treatment in hospital.
His death created an open seat on the Supreme Court bench, prompting the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to declare the vacancy and invite applications to fill it.
According to the notice published in a Special Kenya Gazette Issue on January 13, 2026, this is in accordance with Paragraph 1 Part I First Schedule of the Judicial Service Act, No. 1 of 2011, the Judicial Service Commission of the Republic of Kenya.
“The Head of the Judiciary and Kenya declares a vacancy in the Office of Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya. Ref: V/No. 1/2026,” read the JSC statement I part.
Salary Package and How to Apply
According to the JSC, the position entails serving in the Supreme Court of Kenya, exercising all powers vested in a Supreme Court judge under the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and other applicable laws.
The tenure of office allows for retirement at 70 years, with eligibility for early retirement from 65 years.
Additionally, JSC noted that the gross monthly remuneration package for the position (excluding benefits) is a minimum of KSh956,192 and a maximum of KSh 1,268,996, as provided under the Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines.
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Applicants are required to submit supporting documents, and all Applications must be submitted online via the JSC portal at https://www.jsc.go.ke. The submission deadline is January 27, 2026.
JSC Requirements for Supreme Court Judge
For appointment to the position of Judge of the Supreme Court, the applicant must:
- Hold a law degree from a recognised university or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common law jurisdiction.
- Have at least fifteen (15) years’ experience as a superior court judge.
- Alternatively, have at least fifteen (15) years’ experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner, or in another relevant legal field.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.
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- Demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, including communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment, a wide breadth of both legal and life experience, and a demonstrable commitment to public and community service.
Additionally, the applicants will be required to submit copies of the following documents:
- National Identity Card or Passport
- Academic and Professional Certificates and Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae
- Clearance certificates from the following bodies: Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
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