31 magistrates recruited as JSC looks to reduce backlog of cases

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recruited 31 new magistrates as it seeks to expedite the administration of justice.

According to JSC Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, letters of offer have already been sent to successful applicants who are set to begin work in April.

“Sixty six vacancies were advertised, but only 31 qualified for appointment. The new team includes five Chief Magistrates and 26 Senior Resident Magistrates,” stated Amadi.

The recruitment is also purposed to address shortage of magistrates in the Kenyan courts which has led to a backlog of cases, and whilst the recruitment does not totally resolve the shortage, it will go a long way in delivery of justice.

Reports indicate that the number of magistrates in the country has risen from 316 in 2010 to 443 in 2016 with 55 magistrates having left in the last three years following the vetting of judges last year carried out by the Sharad Rao-led Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board.

Some of those who left, however, chose to do so after attaining the retirement age, with others having resigned, promoted to judgeship, interdicted, dismissed or died.

“It is worth noting that although the current establishment in the Judiciary has 443 magistrates, 31 of those are unable to exercise judicial functions for factors related to pending appeals against JMVB decisions, while nine are on interdiction. This brings to 40 the total number of magistrates who are still in the establishment but are unable to serve,” noted Amadi.

The recruitment is in line with JSC’s plan to increase the number of magistrates to at least 550, distributed among 116 court stations in all counties to liberate the current paucity in the judicial system which places one magistrate to 100,000 Kenyans.

JSC further noted: “The deployment of the new magistrates is expected to occasion transfers of judicial officers to address case load. However, the Judiciary has taken steps to ensure there is minimum disruption of court operations.”