JSC APPOINTS 100 RESIDENT MAGISTRATES
The Judicial Service Commission has appointed 100 Resident Magistrates as part of its continued commitment to strengthening the administration of justice in Kenya. This milestone aligns with the Commission’s constitutional mandate to promote and facilitate a Judiciary that is independent, accountable, effective, efficient and transparent. The new appointments will augment the current complement of 560 magistrates serving in 143 Magistrates’ Courts across the country. The Magistrates’ courts form the backbone of Kenya’s justice system, handling the majority of criminal and civil cases and serving as the primary point of contact for most citizens seeking justice at the grassroots level.
The appointment of this new cohort will significantly enhance the Judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice more efficiently. By increasing the number of Magistrates who manage the bulk of new filings, the Judiciary will be better positioned to address the persistent challenge of case backlogs and delays that have long affected the timely dispensation of justice. The deployment of the new Judicial Officers to various court stations, including underserved regions and newly established courts, will further improve access to justice by expanding the geographical reach of judicial services and bringing them closer to the people in accordance with constitutional aspirations.
In addition, the enhanced personnel levels will promote judicial specialization. The availability of more Resident Magistrates will enable their deployment to specialized areas such as Children’s Courts and Small Claims Courts, allowing senior Judicial Officers in major stations to focus on more complex matters within their expanded jurisdictions. These improvements in efficiency, access and specialization will collectively contribute to strengthening public confidence in the justice system. Faster resolution of cases, reduced delays and improved accessibility are essential to rebuilding and sustaining trust in the rule of law.
This appointment marks a critical step in the Commission’s broader human resource strategy to ensure that the Judiciary is sufficiently equipped to fulfill its constitutional mandate and effectively serve the people of Kenya.
