JSC Appoints 100 New Magistrates in Major Push to Ease Case Backlogs

Kenya, December 11 2025 - Kenya’s justice system has received a significant boost after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) appointed 100 new Resident Magistrates, a move expected to ease pressure on courts and improve access to justice for communities across the country.

The appointments follow months of interviews that began with hundreds of applicants, eventually narrowed down to 598 candidates who were assessed at the CBK Pension Towers earlier this month. Only 100 secured the coveted positions.

According to the JSC, the new magistrates will reinforce the work of the country’s 560 magistrates currently stationed in 143 courts. Magistrates handle the bulk of Kenya’s criminal and civil matters—from family disputes and traffic cases to land disagreements—making them essential to the country’s legal system.

“This recruitment is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to ensure timely justice delivery and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law,” the JSC said in its announcement.

The impact of the appointments is expected to be felt most in areas where residents often wait months, or even years, for their matters to be heard. Specialised courts such as Children’s Courts and Small Claims Courts are also set to benefit, helping to reduce delays that can deeply affect families and small businesses.

Some of those joining the bench include Faith Chebet Boit, Iqra Hassan Bare, Jimmy Mambo Mulisho, Joan Kavinya Mati, Kevin Otieno and Naima Ibrahim Rajab, among others.