The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has postponed the interviews of High Court judges that were to start Tuesday, September 20.
In a statement dated Monday, September 19, Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi explained that the interviews have been pushed to Monday, October 3.
According to JSC, the rescheduling was to allow ample time for a conclusive hearing of complaints raised concerning the exercise.
"Having reviewed the complaints lodged and responses by the candidates, the JSC resolved that affected candidates be accorded a fair hearing and be given an opportunity to provide better particulars and clarification as required by the law," Amadi stated.
She added, "In fulfilment of the constitutional requirement for public participation in the appointment of state officers, the JSC resolved to carry out stakeholder engagement to get the perspective of stakeholders on the recruitment and selection to enrich the process."
The interviews will be conducted at the JSC office boardroom at Reinsurance Plaza, Nairobi, and will run until November 3. Shortlisted candidates have been asked to check the date and time of their evaluation on the commission's website.
On May 4, the commission published a list of 104 shortlisted candidates who had applied for the 20 slots that had been advertised.
It also called on the public to be forthcoming with any information of interest on the candidates who had made to the shortlist.
Notable candidates eyeing the positions include the President of Kenya Magistrate and Judges Association Derrick Kuto and Magistrates Representative to JSC Emily Ominde.
Others are Anti-corruption Court Chief Magistrates Lawrence Mugambi, Elizabeth Juma Douglas Ogoti, and Nyeri Law Courts Chief Magistrate Wendy Kagendo.
The interview will be conducted by a panel led by the Commission's Chairperson and Chief Justice Martha Koome. Also sitting on the panel are Deputy CJ Philomena Mwilu, Justices David Majanja and Mohamed Warsame and Attorney General Kihara Kariuki.
Other commissioners include Patrick Gichohi, Prof Olive Mugenda, Felix Koskei and Everlyne Olwande.
On September 14, the Judiciary received a major boost after President William Ruto appointed six judges - four to the Court of Appeal and two to the Environmental and Lands Court - as promised during his inauguration.
The judges include Aggrey Muchelule, Wednon Korir, Prof Joel Ngugi, George Odunga (Court of Appeal) and Evans Makori Kiago and Judith Cheruiyot.
President Ruto reiterated his sentiments that his administration will respect the judiciary and its independence. He vowed to increase its annual funding to support its functions.
"These interventions will empower the Judiciary to adjudicate and expeditiously conclude corruption cases, commercial disputes and all other matters, thereby enhancing access to justice and efficiency in the Judiciary," he stated.
