Judicial Service Commission

Also known as: JSC

Constitutional body managing the Judiciary's technical and shared services, currently led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

2026-04-242026-09-15

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

July 2026
22 JulCapital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 22 – Lawyers across Kenya will from Wednesday boycott court proceedings in protest against court orders that have halted the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from investigating misconduct complaints against judges. …
Lawyers Nationwide to Boycott Courts Over Orders Halting JSC Probes of Judges
22 JulThe Standard
… The boycott, set to begin this morning, marks the most aggressive action taken by Kenyan lawyers against serving judges and comes amid mounting pressure on Justice Koome, who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). …
Kangema magistrate, probation officer arrested with Sh150,000 bribe
22 JulThe Standard
… The Chief Justice, who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission, said the Judiciary maintains a policy of zero tolerance to corruption and expects judicial officers to embody the integrity they demand of others. …
Kangema Magistrate suspended after bribery arrest by EACC
21 JulCapital News
… KMJA however expressed concern over the move noting the targeted judges had obtained court orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from proceeding with misconduct complaints against them. …
KMJA appeals to LSK to reconsider court boycott, cites harm to litigants
21 JulThe Standard
… nd perception indices have shown that the amount of corruption in the Judiciary is beyond where it should be," he observed.He alleged that some judges have frustrated efforts to investigate complaints against them by obtaining court orders stopping the Judicial Service Commission …
Kanjama: Why LSK is boycotting courts, targeting the Supreme Court
21 JulThe Standard
… The association encouraged the LSK to submit evidence-backed complaints to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman, warning that public naming of judges before formal investigations risks prejudicing due process.KMJA further acknowledged th …
Judges urge LSK to suspend court boycott, embrace dialogue
20 JulCitizen Digital
… Audio By Vocalize The Judiciary has maintained that court proceedings will not be disrupted ahead of a planned boycott by lawyers who oppose court orders preventing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from probing misconduct cases against judges. …
Judiciary assures normal court proceedings ahead of lawyers boycott
20 JulCapital News
… On judicial accountability, the Judiciary said existing constitutional mechanisms remain available for handling complaints against judges, judicial officers and staff through the Judicial Service Commission and the Office of the Judiciary Ombudsman, stressing that allegations of …
Judiciary rejects LSK boycott, says all courts will sit as scheduled on Wednesday
20 JulCapital News
… It urged the Law Society to pursue its concerns through ongoing institutional dialogue, pointing to a consultative meeting bringing together the Judicial Service Commission, the LSK Council and representatives of the Senior Counsel Bar scheduled for July 31. …
Ahmednasir claims judges sit just 54 days a year as Judiciary faces fresh scrutiny
20 JulThe Standard
… On the one hand, the LSK council cited persistent graft and misconduct in the judiciary, while on the other, separate sources within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the Judiciary and the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) accused the society of calling the ket …
Of Judiciary and LSK wars: who blinks first?

Politics

Robert Kibet Kibor appointed JSC registrar

The News

The Judicial Service Commission has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as the new registrar, tasked with providing strategic leadership over the Commission's technical and shared services functions and supporting its constitutional mandate. Kibor is an Advocate of the High Court with fourteen years post-admission experience and has worked at the JSC since 2012, most recently as Assistant Director, Legal Services.

8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 8 September

Robert Kibet Kibor appointed JSC registrar
The Judicial Service Commission has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as the new registrar, tasked with providing strategic leadership over the Commission's technical and shared services functions and supporting its constitutional mandate. Kibor is an Advocate of the High Court with fourteen years post-admission experience and has worked at the JSC since 2012, most recently as Assistant Director, Legal Services.
8 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 7 September

Robert Kibor appointed new Registrar of Judicial Service Commission
The Judicial Service Commission has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as its new Registrar following a competitive recruitment process. Kibor, an Advocate of the High Court with 14 years of post-admission experience, has served at the JSC since 2012 and most recently held the position of Assistant Director, Legal Services.
7 September 2026 · Capital News →
Robert Kibor appointed JSC Registrar after two-year vacancy
The Judicial Service Commission has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as its new Registrar following a competitive recruitment process that began in January. Kibor, who has worked at the JSC since 2012 and most recently served as Assistant Director of Legal Services, will provide strategic leadership in managing the Commission's technical and shared services functions.
7 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 3 September

Lawyer urges MPs to empower citizens to challenge regulatory inaction
A lawyer has submitted a memorandum to Parliament requesting legislation that would allow ordinary Kenyans to challenge public institutions that fail to formulate regulations needed to implement laws passed by Parliament. The proposed Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, now before the National Assembly, would address delays by government agencies; the advocate cited the Judicial Service Commission's failure to gazette complaints procedures against judges as an example of prolonged administrative inaction.
3 September 2026 · Capital News →

Wednesday 2 September

Lawyer urges Assembly to empower Kenyans to petition Parliament
Advocate Ekaterina Handa has petitioned the National Assembly to pass the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which would allow Kenyans to petition Parliament when public bodies fail to make regulations required to implement laws. Handa cited the Judicial Service Commission's failure to formulate and gazette regulations governing complaints against judges as an example of institutional inertia that the Bill would help prevent.
2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 27 August

Public participation remains symbolic in Kenya 16 years after Constitution
Lawyer Joshua Nyamori has criticized Parliament as unwilling to enact laws that would cost MPs their privileges, describing it as the weak link in full implementation of the 2010 Constitution. He argued that public participation in Kenya remains a "tick-box exercise" rather than substantive consultation, and noted that a Public Participation Bill sponsored by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo has come too late despite 16 years of constitutional governance.
27 August 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 24 August

Suspended Kangema magistrate charged with bribery, released on bail
Suspended Kangema Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi has been charged with requesting a Sh170,000 bribe and receiving a Sh150,000 bribe to influence a convicted businessman's sentence. He pleaded not guilty before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court and was released on Sh400,000 cash bail.
24 August 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 18 August

Kangema magistrate to face bribery charges over Sh150,000
Kangema Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua is expected to answer bribery charges after the High Court in Kerugoya declined to stop his prosecution. The magistrate had alleged he was publicly vilified before arraignment, but the DPP, AG and EACC urged the court to strike out his case, arguing he failed to appear before court twice and should raise his concerns at trial.
18 August 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 17 August

Chief Justice Koome disowns fabricated letter circulating on social media
The Judiciary issued a public notice dismissing a letter purportedly signed by Chief Justice Martha Koome as fabricated, warning the public against using it to advance political narratives. The fake document, bearing the Supreme Court and Chief Justice office letterhead, falsely claims to address alleged attempts to interfere with the independence of the Supreme Court and names former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Chief Justice David Maraga, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
17 August 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 3 August

High Court issues interim orders halting LSK boycott
Kenya's High Court has issued interim orders stopping the Law Society of Kenya from disrupting court proceedings pending the determination of a preliminary objection to the court's jurisdiction. Justice David Mburu said the orders were necessary to restore order within the Judiciary and ensure court operations continue without interference.
3 August 2026 · Capital News →
High Court restrains LSK from disrupting judicial proceedings
The High Court has issued conservatory orders restraining the Law Society of Kenya from disrupting court proceedings before Judges and Judicial Officers pending the hearing of a preliminary objection challenging the court's jurisdiction. Judge David Mburu said the orders were necessary to restore order within the Judiciary and ensure court proceedings continue without interference.
3 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
High Court suspends LSK boycott against CJ Koome and other judges
The High Court has issued interim orders suspending the Law Society of Kenya's nationwide boycott against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, and other judges and judicial officers over allegations of gross misconduct and corruption. The court barred LSK from disrupting court proceedings pending the hearing and determination of the case.
3 August 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 2 August

EACC recovers Sh55m Mombasa house from retired magistrate
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission recovered a Sh55 million government house in Kizingo, Mombasa after an Environment and Land Court nullified a 99-year lease fraudulently and irregularly allocated to former senior resident magistrate Gilbert Mwangi Njuguna over two decades ago. The court also ordered Njuguna and three others to pay EACC Sh10 million in general damages for trespass on public land.
2 August 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 31 July

JSC defends accountability record, opposes LSK court boycott
The Judicial Service Commission has defended its judicial accountability record, saying it received 506 complaints against judges this year and has processed 417 of them, while warning that the Law Society of Kenya's planned boycott of selected courts risks disrupting access to justice.
31 July 2026 · Capital News →
Chief Magistrate seeks court order to block LSK boycott
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has asked the High Court to stop the Law Society of Kenya from implementing a planned boycott of court proceedings before selected judicial officers, arguing the move is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and threatens access to justice.
31 July 2026 · Capital News →
JSC urges lawyers to end judicial boycott after LSK meeting
The Judicial Service Commission has criticized lawyers' boycott of judges and judicial officers, saying it disrupts court proceedings and delays justice. Following a meeting with the Law Society of Kenya and Senior Counsel Bar, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome stated that judicial conduct concerns should be addressed through constitutional mechanisms, and both parties agreed to work together against corruption and unethical conduct.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Ex-IPOA boss claims Ruto threatened him over police watchdog independence
Macharia Njeru, the inaugural Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, alleged that William Ruto made direct threats to him during Ruto's time as Deputy President, warning of political fallout if IPOA did not comply with executive demands. Njeru's allegations add to recent accusations by former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u that President Ruto has systematically interfered with public institutions.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Chief Magistrate Atambo seeks court order to halt LSK boycott
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo has filed in the High Court asking it to stop the Law Society of Kenya from boycotting court proceedings before selected judicial officers, arguing the move is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and violates Kenyans' right to access justice.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
DPP, AG, EACC urge court to dismiss Kangema magistrate's prosecution block bid
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney General, and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission have urged the High Court to strike out a case filed by Kangema Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua seeking to block arrest and prosecution over a Sh150,000 bribe allegation, arguing he is trying to evade trial without showing his rights were violated.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
High Court declines to suspend Law Society boycott
Justice David Mburu declined an application to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and other judicial officers, deferring the matter to August 3, 2026 after a meeting between the JSC and LSK leadership began to attempt resolution.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
Law Society of Kenya maintains judges' boycott over judicial integrity
The Law Society of Kenya is defending its targeted boycott of selected judges and judicial officers, saying it will continue until the Judicial Service Commission addresses concerns about corruption, misconduct, and delays in handling complaints. LSK President Charles Kanjama said the action is intended to protect the long-term interests of litigants, lawyers, judges and the justice system, despite acknowledging concerns about impact on access to justice.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 28 July

DPP approves bribery charges against Kangema magistrate and probation officer
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi and Senior Probation Officer Julius Irungu Njogu for allegedly soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe from a Murang'a businessman to influence a criminal case outcome. The EACC investigation found sufficient evidence for prosecution, and the DPP has directed the suspects be charged immediately.
28 July 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 27 July

Judiciary-Law Society standoff reflects public distrust in justice system
An opinion piece argues that the standoff between Kenya's Judiciary and Law Society reflects deeper concerns about accountability and impartiality in the justice system, illustrated by public reaction to recent high-profile acquittals that has shaken confidence in the courts despite legal principles of presumption of innocence.
27 July 2026 · The Standard →
Lawyer petitions High Court to halt LSK's judicial boycott
A city lawyer has filed a High Court petition seeking conservatory orders to suspend the Law Society of Kenya's targeted boycott of judges and judicial officers, arguing the action is unconstitutional, undermines judicial independence, and denies litigants access to justice.
27 July 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 24 July

Kenya must rethink judicial accountability within constitutional design
An opinion piece argues that advocates' nationwide court boycott on July 22, 2026, demonstrated the need for urgent judicial reforms and suggests the Judicial Service Commission has proved an inadequate channel for accountability, prompting a deeper constitutional rethinking of the tension between judicial independence and accountability.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →
Lawyers boycott courts in Mombasa and Kwale on day two
Lawyers in Mombasa and Kwale boycotted Environment and Lands Courts on the second day of their protest against Justices Lucas Naikuni and Anthony Abwayo, who obtained orders barring the Judicial Service Commission from conducting disciplinary action on them. The Law Society of Kenya said the boycott will continue until the judges' involvement in alleged illegal activities is addressed, though the action has left litigants stranded with delayed cases.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 22 July

Commonwealth Lawyers Association supports LSK in Judiciary dispute
The Commonwealth Lawyers Association has backed the Law Society of Kenya's position in its standoff with the Judiciary, affirming the Society's right to hold the Judiciary accountable while urging dialogue and adherence to the rule of law. The dispute centers on LSK's court boycott over judicial accountability concerns, with the LSK accusing judges of penalizing lawyers and the Judges Welfare Association arguing the boycott undermines access to justice.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
Judges urge LSK to end targeted court boycott amid escalating dispute
The Kenya Judges Welfare Association has urged the Law Society of Kenya to end its targeted boycott of selected courts, warning it undermines the rule of law and disrupts access to justice. The LSK has accused some judges of penalising advocates who honoured a nationwide court boycott, and says it will intensify its indefinite boycott of selected judges and magistrates while pursuing further action.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
JSC suspends Kangema magistrate after EACC bribe arrest
The Judicial Service Commission has suspended Kangema Senior Principal Magistrate Martin Kinyua Mutegi following his arrest by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of soliciting a Sh170,000 bribe to influence a criminal case outcome. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judiciary has commenced disciplinary proceedings and pledged cooperation with investigators.
22 July 2026 · Capital News →
Law Society of Kenya maintains court boycott for judicial accountability
The Law Society of Kenya has reaffirmed its nationwide boycott of court proceedings, with President Charles Kanjama urging advocates to stay away from courts to mount pressure for greater accountability within the Judiciary. The LSK Council and Senior Counsel Bar are scheduled to meet the Judicial Service Commission on July 31 to discuss the concerns behind the protest.
22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →