JSC appoints Robert Kibor as new Registrar after 4-month competitive recruitment

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appointed Robert Kibet Kibor as its new Registrar, ending a period of more than two years during which the position was headed in an acting capacity.

The appointment was announced by the Commission on Monday, September 7, 2026, following a competitive recruitment process conducted under the Judicial Service Act.

Kibor will take over the office pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Judicial Service Act, Cap. 8A, and will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Commission's technical and shared services functions.

His responsibilities will include supporting the JSC in implementing policies, strategies and programmes aimed at strengthening institutional effectiveness, accountability and the administration of justice.

Kibor brings extensive experience within the Commission, having worked at the JSC since 2012.

He joined the institution as a Legal Researcher and progressively rose through its ranks, most recently serving as Assistant Director, Legal Services.

The Commission said his career progression within the institution has given him a deep understanding of its constitutional mandate, institutional framework and day-to-day operations.

His appointment therefore places an experienced insider at the centre of the Commission's technical and administrative functions.

As Registrar, Kibor will be responsible to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the Commission in the performance of his duties, in accordance with the Judicial Service Act.

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, specialising in Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, from the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa).

He also holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

The new Registrar has further undertaken a Strategic Leadership Development Programme at the Kenya School of Government, alongside corporate governance training and other professional development programmes.

His legal background and experience within the JSC are expected to be central to his new responsibilities as the Commission continues to strengthen its institutional systems and support the effective administration of justice.

The Registrar's office became vacant following the appointment of Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, CBS, as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in March 2024.

Mokaya had previously served as Registrar of the Judicial Service Commission before moving to the Judiciary's top administrative position.

In the intervening period, Hon. Isaac Wamaasa served as Acting Registrar of the JSC, providing leadership and continuity while the Commission sought a substantive appointment.

The process to fill the position formally began in January 2026, when the JSC advertised the vacancy on January 16.

Following the advertisement, shortlisted candidates were interviewed on June 30, 2026, before the Commission settled on Kibor.

The appointment therefore follows a recruitment process spanning several months and involving multiple candidates.

Although the Registrar is not the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, the position is significant to the functioning of the JSC, the constitutional body responsible for promoting and facilitating the independence and accountability of the Judiciary.

The Commission's work includes functions such as recommending persons for appointment as judges, receiving complaints against judicial officers and overseeing matters relating to the administration of judicial service.

Kibor's role will primarily involve ensuring that the Commission's technical and shared services are effectively managed while supporting implementation of its policies and programmes.

The JSC said his appointment comes as part of its continued commitment to judicial independence, accountability and the effective, efficient and transparent administration of justice.

The Commission congratulated Kibor on his appointment and wished him success as he assumes the responsibilities of the office.