JSC Appoints New Registrar

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as the new Registrar of the Judicial Service Commission.

In a statement on Monday, September 7, JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya said Kibor takes up the position with extensive institutional experience, having served at the Commission since 2012, when he joined as a Legal Researcher. 

According to JSC, he progressively rose through the ranks and most recently served as Assistant Director, Legal Services.

As Registrar, Kibor will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the management of the Commission’s technical and shared services functions, while supporting the JSC in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

"As Registrar, Mr. Kibor will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the management of the Commission’s technical and shared services functions.

"He will support the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, including through the development and implementation of policies, strategies and programmes that strengthen institutional effectiveness, enhance accountability and contribute to the effective administration of justice," the statement read.

Mokaya said the Registrar will also operate within the reporting structure provided for under the Judicial Service Act.

"In accordance with the Judicial Service Act, the Registrar will be responsible to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the Commission in the performance of his duties," the statement added.

Kibor is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 14 years of post-admission experience. 

He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations (Foreign Policy and Diplomacy) from the United States International University, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

Kibor has also undertaken the Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, Corporate Governance Training and other professional programmes.

JSC said the vacancy in the Registrar’s office arose after the appointment of Mokaya as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in March 2024. 

In the intervening period, Isaac Wamaasa served as Acting Registrar, providing leadership and continuity.

"The vacancy in the Office of the Registrar, Judicial Service Commission arose following the appointment of the then Registrar, Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in March 2024. Since then, Hon. Isaac Wamaasa has served as Acting Registrar JSC, providing leadership and continuity in the Office during the intervening period," the statement further read.

JSC said Kibor’s appointment followed a competitive recruitment process that began with the advertisement of the vacancy on January 16, 2026, followed by interviews on June 30, 2026.

"The appointment of Mr. Kibor follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Commission, following the advertisement of the vacancy on 16th January 2026 and interviews conducted on 30th June 2026. The Commission appreciates all applicants and candidates who participated in the recruitment process for their interest and willingness to serve the Judicial Service Commission," the statement concluded.

Elsewhere, Chief Justice Martha Koome has established four new magistrates’ courts across the country. 

In a gazette notice issued on Friday, September 4, Koome established the Kegonga Magistrates’ Court. 

According to the notice, the court will fall under the supervisory jurisdiction of the Migori High Court. 

"Take notice that the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya has established the Kegonga Magistrates’ Court, which is within the supervisory jurisdiction of the Migori High Court, with effect from 1st September, 2026," read the notice. 

Koome also established the Emuhaya, Maara and Tarakwa Magistrates’ Courts.

The Emuhaya Magistrates’ Court will operate under the supervisory jurisdiction of the Vihiga High Court, while the Maara Magistrates’ Court will fall under the Chuka High Court.

The Tarakwa Magistrates’ Court, on the other hand, will operate under the supervisory jurisdiction of the Eldoret High Court.

The gazettement comes months after the Chief Justice established a new Environment and Land Court in Mavoko, Machakos County. 

In a gazette notice issued on Friday, June 19, CJ Koome said the court will be based at the new Mavoko Law Courts building. 

"Take notice that the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya has established an Environment and Land Court at Mavoko, based at the new Mavoko Law Courts Building, Machakos County, with effect from the 1st July, 2026," read the notice in part. 

Koome has also established an Environment and Land Court Sub-Registry at Maralal Law Courts in Samburu County. 

"Take notice that the Chief Justice has established an Environment and Land Court Sub-Registry at Maralal Law Courts, Samburu County with effect from the 1st July, 2026," the gazette notice read.