By Marline Atieno
On May 12, 2024, the swearing-in ceremony for 20 newly appointed judges of the High Court took place at State House.
This marked a significant expansion in the judiciary, highlighting the commitment to upholding justice in the nation.
The ceremony was presided over by the President, who administered the oath of office to the new judges.
Additionally, the conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel to Advocates was also done.
The judges were appointed through a gazette notice dated May 9, after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) forwarded their names to President William Ruto upon completing the vetting process.
“The 20 individuals recommended by the Judicial Service Commission for appointment as High Court judges are currently preparing and donning their robes for their swearing-in at State House this morning,” the Judiciary announced.
“In exercise of the powers conferred in Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint… to be judges of the High Court of Kenya,” the notice read.
The Judicial Service Commission announced 20 vacancies for High Court judges on October 13, 2023.
Upon the closure of the application window, the commission received 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates.
Subsequently, the JSC conducted interviews where 95 candidates were interviewed while four candidates withdrew their applications.
The judges took their oaths individually led by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Boyani Mokaya.