Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera wants an explanation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over the cancellation of 171 job vacancies advertised in November 2024.
The job opportunities were canceled in March, raising concerns among Kenyans.
In his petition to the House, Chimera is seeking answers from the Senate Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights on what informed the decision.
The positions, including 60 legal researcher roles and 111 internships, were withdrawn due to what the commission termed as financial constraints.
"This is to notify the general public and the applicants that owing to fiscal constraints currently affecting the country, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has cancelled the advertisements for the following positions," the notice dated March 4, 2025 read.
The positions that were to be filled include 60 vacancies for legal researchers, 25 diploma internships in office administration (secretarial services), and 12 graduate internships in information communication and technology (ICT).
Graduate and diploma internship positions in fields such as supply chain management, records management, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture were also needed.
The Senator is questioning why the commission proceeded with the job advertisements without assessing its financial capacity, which, he argued, led to false hope for many qualified candidates.
Chimera further expressed concern about the impact on the Judiciary’s efficiency, particularly the shortage of legal researchers.
He called on the Committee to investigate the JSC’s failure to evaluate its financial situation before advertising the vacancies and to clarify plans for future recruitment, including whether the positions would be re-advertised.
During a past meeting, Chief Justice Martha Koome complained about the alleged persistent underfunding of the Judiciary. She said its budget has been cut by nearly 50 percent over the last three financial years.
Speaking during the launch of the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report 2023-2024, Koome noted that while the Judiciary had achieved a 99 percent case clearance rate, financial challenges were limiting further progress.
"We are doing our very best with very little resources to ensure we celebrate these gains. However, we must recognise the pressing need for further investment," she said.
The Senator emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the JSC’s recruitment practices, urging the Committee to address the concerns of affected applicants.
