The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced the appointment of 100 new Resident Magistrates, a move it says marks a significant boost to the capacity of Kenya’s courts and the wider push to speed up justice delivery.

In a statement shared on X on Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Commission said the latest appointments expand the current magistracy workforce, which now rises to more than 660 magistrates serving across 143 courts nationwide.

“The Judicial Service Commission has appointed 100 Resident Magistrates, strengthening the administration of justice across Kenya,” the JSC stated.

It noted that the additional officers will help ease pressure on Magistrates’ Courts, which handle the bulk of criminal and civil cases filed in the country.

“This expansion boosts the current 560 magistrates serving in 143 courts and supports our mandate to ensure an effective, efficient and accessible Judiciary,” the Commission said.

JSC explained that bringing more magistrates into the system is expected to significantly reduce the long-standing backlog that has often delayed justice for thousands of Kenyans. It added that the new officers will also support specialised courts that require dedicated attention.

“Magistrates’ Courts handle most criminal and civil cases, making these appointments a major step toward reducing case backlogs, improving access to justice. especially in underserved areas, and enhancing specialisation in key areas such as Children’s Courts and Small Claims Courts,” the statement read.

The Commission said the recruitment forms part of a broader justice-sector strategy aimed at strengthening institutional performance and restoring public trust in the courts.

“This recruitment is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to ensure timely justice delivery and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law,” JSC noted.

The Judiciary has in recent years faced mounting pressure over delays in concluding cases, limited staffing in rural regions, and rising caseloads driven by social, economic and commercial disputes.

The JSC is expected to deploy the newly appointed magistrates to different courts once administrative formalities and postings are completed.

The Commission said it remains committed to scaling up judicial manpower as part of ongoing reforms to make justice more accessible, especially to vulnerable groups and remote communities.