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Officials sitting in the highest Court in Kenya —the Supreme Court— were vetted publicly before hiring process. Both the Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga (right) and his deputy Nancy Baraza (left) were interviewed publicly. File
Twelve judges are lined up for vetting as the government stepped up reforms in the judicial system.
The Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board (JMVB) said 10 judges who served in the Court of Appeal as at August 27 last year and two others now sitting in the Supreme Court would be tested for qualification to serve in office.
August 27, 2010 is when the new Constitution was promulgated.
The vetting would be expanded to judges of the High Court, High Court registrar, the chief court administrator, chief magistrates and other magistrates respectively, the board said.
JMVB vice chair person Roseline Odede asked the public to provide information or complaints on the integrity and competence of the officers by December 1.
“The person supplying the information may be required to appear before the board to verify information and may be cross-examined. The information supplied must be authentic and verifiable,” she said.
The board said it will focus on key areas including professional competence, written and oral communication skills, integrity, temperament, good judgment, legal and life skills and commitment to public community service. The information supplied shall be held in confidence, she said.
Justices Riaga Omolo, Phillip Tunoi, Samuel Bosire, Emmanuel O’Kubasu, Erastus Githinji, Philip Waki, John Walter Onyango-Otieno, Daniel Aganyanya, Alnashir Visram and John Nyamu will be vetted having served in the Court of Appeal as at August 2010.
Justices Jackton Boma Ojwang and Mohammed Ibrahim, now sitting in the Supreme Court will also face the vetting team. “The process shall be guided by principles and standards of judicial independence, natural justice and international best practice,” Ms Odede said.
In a bid to restore the justice system’s long lost credibility, the Judiciary is being reformed to ensure only the most deserving and qualified officers remain.
Officials sitting in the highest Court in Kenya —the Supreme Court— were vetted publicly before hiring process. Both the Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga and his deputy Nancy Baraza were interviewed publicly.
Other Supreme Court judges are Justices Philip Tunoi, Jackton Ojwang, Mohammed Ibrahim, Njoki Ndung’u and Dr Smokin Wanjala.
The Judiciary has in the past two months turned its focus on bolstering its workforce with competent officers. Over 270 positions for new staff have been advertised, 203 magistrates are set for a promotion. Last month, positions of director of finance, performance management, public affairs, IT and HR were advertised.
aodhiambo@ke.nationmedia.com
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