Monday, March 5, 2012

VACANCIES FOR THE OFFICE OF JUDGE OF ENVIRONMENT AND LAND COURTS (30) - JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION

Republic of Kenya


The Judicial Service Commission

The Judicial Service Commission of Kenya invites applications from qualified persons for the following position in the Judiciary.

Vacancies for the Office of Judge of the Environment and Land Court (30 Posts)

Ref: V/No.2/2012.

Terms of Service: Constitutional Office.

Period of Service: Retirement at the age of 70 years with an election to retire on attaining the age of 65 years.

Functions: A Judge of the Environment and Land Court shall serve in any Environment and Land Court station in Kenya and shall exercise the following functions:

(a) Have original and appellate jurisdiction to hear and determine all disputes relating to environment and the use and occupation of, and title to, land;


(b) Hear and determine disputes relating to:

environmental planning and protection, trade, climate issues, land use planning, title, tenure, boundaries, rates, rents, valuations, mining, minerals and other natural resources;
compulsory acquisition of land;
land administration and management;
public, private and community land and contracts, choses in action or other instruments granting any enforceable interest in land; and
any other dispute relating to environment and land.

(c) Hear and determine applications for redress of a denial, violation or infringement of, or threat to, rights or fundamental freedom relating to the environment and Land under Chapter Five of the Constitution.

(d) Exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of local tribunals in respect of matters falling within the jurisdiction of the court.

(e) Have supervisory jurisdiction over local tribunals, persons or authorities.

Constitutional and statutory requirements for appointment.

For appointment to the position of Judge of the Environment and Land Court, applicants must possess the following qualifications: -

(a) Hold a law degree from a recognized university, or be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction.

(b) Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a Superior Court Judge or professionally qualified Magistrate; or

(c) Have at least ten (10) years’ experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field; or

(d) Have held the qualifications specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) for a period amounting, in aggregate, to ten (10) years.

Notes:

(i) The experience may have been gained in Kenya or in any other country with a Common Law jurisdiction;

(ii) Knowledge and experience in environmental and land matters will be an added advantage;

(e) Meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution and be of high moral character, integrity and impartiality. In addition, the applicants must demonstrate a high degree of professional competence, communication skills, fairness, good temperament, good judgment in
both legal and life experiences and commitment to public and community service.

The appointments shall be made in accordance with Article 166 (1) (b) as read with Article 162 (2) (b) and (3) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Interested and qualified persons are invited to make their applications by forwarding twelve (12) hard copies and a soft copy of the following: -

1. A letter of application.

2. A detailed and updated curriculum vitae summarizing the applicant’s bio-data including, background information, (such as community service, financial discipline, pro bono activity, involvement as a party in litigation and involvement in political activity including any financial contribution to any political party / parties and criminal record) legal practice / engagement for the last five (5) years, three (3) professional referees and two (2) character references who can verify and comment on the applicant’s past and present employment.

3. Completed Application for Employment Forms in triplicate — JSC 2A (for public officers) or JSC 2 (for other applicants).

4. Five (5) samples of any writings by the applicant, including but not limited to judgments, scholarly writings, legal publications or written submissions in legal proceedings that the applicant has authored/written.

5. The applicant’s three (3) recent coloured passport size photographs.

6. Declaration of income, assets and liabilities as at the time of making the application, using the prescribed form (The Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities Form JSC 2b). For those who are in Government employment, attach copies of return of declaration of income, assets and liabilities and for those in private practice attach income tax returns, for the last three (3) years.

7. Certified copies of testimonials and professional certificates and academic transcripts.

To:

The Secretary,
Judicial Service Commission,
P.O. Box 30041 -00100,
Nairobi.

Email: jscsecretariat@judiciary.go.ke

So as to reach the commission not later than 23rd March, 2012

The JSC 2A and JSC 2 and the Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities forms are available free of charge at the Commission’s secretariat, Room 65A at the Supreme Court of Kenya Building, Nairobi during office hours.

The forms can also be downloaded from the Judiciary’s Website — www.judiciary.go.ke.

Only short listed and successful candidates will be contacted.

Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.

The Judicial Service Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and selects candidates on merit, through fair and open competition, from the widest range of eligible candidates.

Secretary,
Judicial Service Commission