The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is interviewing 100 candidates for the position of Judge of the High Court.
JSC led by Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome advertised 20 vacancies for the position on October 13, 2023.
JSC received 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates with interviews scheduled to run between 3rd and 30th April 2024.
Successful candidates will enjoy huge salaries, allowances, and benefits as outlined by the Salaries and Renumeration Commission (SRC).
In a letter dated August 18, 2017, by SRC, a high court judge was earning a minimum of Ksh657,426 and a maximum of Ksh907,279 as gross monthly income.
This was increased to a minimum of Ksh657,426 to maximum of Ksh1,000,974 in SRC 2022 revised guidelines.
In September 2023, SRC again proposed the increment of high court judges’ salaries to Ksh736,444 minimum and a maximum of Ksh1,027,826 for the 2023/2024 financial year.
This would consequently increase to a minimum of Ksh811,461 and a maximum of Ksh1,054,677 in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Benefits Based on SRC 2023 Review
Like other judicial officers, high court judges enjoy official transport and a medical scheme.
The scheme is provided per family to cover the judge, spouse and up to four children below the age of twenty-five years fully dependent on the Judge.
Under the scheme Ksh10 million is allocated for inpatients while outpatient enjoy Kshs.300,000 cover.
Ther others are as follows; Kshs150,000 for maternity, Ksh75,00 for dental and Ksh75,000 for optical services.
Additionally, a high court judge serving or appointed on permanent and pensionable terms is eligible to pension benefit in line with the existing laws.
They are also entitled to a group life insurance and group personal accident for a value equivalent to three times of the annual basic remuneration package.
High Court judges also enjoy a special judicial duty allowance at a rate of Ksh130,000.
This allowance is paid to Judges with additional responsibilities above the duties stipulated in their terms of service from which their salary payment is based.
Judges of High Court are also entitled to Ksh25,000 airtime allowance and Ksh50,000 annual leave allowance.
The judges are also entitled to a car loan of Ksh8 million and a mortgage of Ksh35 million.
The duration for the mortgage is 20 years and 5 years for the car loan.
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Functions of a High Court Judge
According to JSC, a high court judge functions include unlimited original jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters.
The judges equally have jurisdiction to determine the question whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed, or threatened.
They also have the power to hear an appeal from a decision of a tribunal appointed under the Constitution to consider the removal of a person from office apart from a tribunal appointed under Article 144
Besides, the judges are mandated to hear any question respecting the interpretation of the Constitution.
Qualifications & Criteria for Appointment
The qualifications for the Judge of the High Court are laid down in Article 166 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Judicial Service Act, 2011.
For appointment to the position of Judge of the High Court, the applicant should hold a law degree from a recognized university.
Alternatively, they can be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya or possess an equivalent qualification in a Common-law jurisdiction.
Applicants must have at least ten years’ experience as a superior court judge or a professionally qualified magistrate.
Other qualifications are as follows.
2.(a) Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a superior court judge or a professionally qualified magistrate.
(b) Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a distinguished academic, or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field.
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(c) Have held the qualifications specified in paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) above for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to ten (10) years; and
(d) Possess the experience required under paragraph 2 (a), (b) and (c) above as applicable, irrespective of whether that experience was gained in Kenya or in another Commonwealth Common-Law jurisdiction; and
3.Have a high moral character, integrity, and impartiality (meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity).
In addition, the applicants should demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, and good temperament.
They must equally have good judgment, wide breath of both legal and life experience and demonstrable commitment to public and community service.
