The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has shortlisted five candidates, including Justice Katwa Kigen, for the Supreme Court of Kenya judge position.
In a notice on March 27, the JSC said it shortlisted the candidates after advertising one vacant position on January 28, 2026, and receiving six applications by the closing date of February 17, 2026.
“At the close of the advertisement on 17th February 2026, a total of six (6) applications were received,” stated the JSC. The Commission added, “The JSC reviewed the applications for completeness and conformity with the requirements set out in the advertisement.”
Katwa Kigen Eyes Supreme Court job
After reviewing the applications, the Commission picked five candidates who met the legal and professional requirements needed for the job. They are:
- Kipchumba Katwa Kigen
- Justice Joseph Kiplagat Sergon
- Justice Warsame Abdulahi Mohammed
- Justice Francis Kipruto Tuiyott
- Anne Waceke Kiratu Makori, EBS
JSC said the shortlisted candidates met the required standards to serve at the country’s highest court.
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The Commission said interviews will be held on April 28 and April 29, 2026. After the interviews, the JSC will submit one name to the President for nomination and later approval by the National Assembly.
Additionally, the public has been asked to share any information they may have about the shortlisted candidates. The JSC said that any information received may be checked and handled privately.
“The Judicial Service Commission is an equal opportunity employer and selects candidates on merit through a competitive process,” the Commission said.
This recruitment follows the death of Justice Mohammed Ibrahim in December 2025.
Changes Likely at Supreme Court Before Next Presidential Poll
On March 13, President William Ruto nominated Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u, who currently serves on the Supreme Court, to serve as a judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
If she is elected in December 2026, she will leave the court, creating another vacancy.
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The Supreme Court currently has six judges. The bench includes Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and Justices Njoki Ndung’u, Isaac Lenaola, William Ouko, and Smokin Wanjala.
Judges are required to retire at 70, though they may retire earlier at 65. Justice Mwilu is expected to retire in 2027, which means more changes are likely.
Kenya, being only months away from a general election, the Supreme Court has exclusive authority to hear and decide presidential election disputes, with President Ruto expected to seek a second term.
Since 2013, all presidential election disputes have been decided by the Supreme Court, including the 2017 decision by the David Maraga‑led bench that nullified Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory.
All the presidential petitions since 2013 were filed by the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In 2022, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, dismissed the petition as hot air, affirming Ruto’s win.
