Kenya Chief Justice's Position Declared Vacant, Successful Candidate to Earn up to Sh1.3 Million Monthly

The office of the Chief Justice has been declared vacant following the retirement of David Maraga.

Through a gazette notice on Monday, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) invited qualified Kenyans to send in their applications for the position.

Applicants are required to have a law degree from a recognized university, or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction.

They must also have a minimum of 15 years’ experience as superior court judges or as distinguished academics, judicial officers, legal practitioners, or such experience in a relevant legal field.

The successful candidate will earn between Sh990,000 and Sh1,327,888 per month excluding benefits, according to the gazette notice. Prospective candidates are required to submit their applications via JSC’s job portal.  

Last week, Maraga handed over instruments of power to Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, who will act as the Chief Justice until a new office holder is appointed. It remains unclear whether Mwilu will contest for the job. 

Maraga served as the country’s 14th Chief Justice and the second under the 2010 Constitution after assuming office in 2016 following the early retirement of his predecessor Willy Mutunga.

He will be remembered for the historic nullification of the 2017 presidential election results. This was the first time in Kenya and Africa that a presidential election was invalidated by the Supreme Court.