In a decisive move, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has announced Frida Boyani Mokaya as the newly appointed Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, following a rigorous selection process.
Mokaya's appointment comes after she emerged as the top candidate during interviews held by the Commission on Monday, March 18. Out of seven applicants, Mokaya demonstrated exceptional merit, performance, and suitability for the esteemed position, as noted by the JSC.
Taking on this pivotal role, Mokaya succeeds Anne Amadi, whose term concluded earlier this year. With a commitment to service spanning five years, Mokaya is poised to bring her wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of judicial administration.
Academic Background and Career Trajectory
Mokaya's academic journey is marked by distinction. Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Law at the University of Nairobi, she initially graduated with a Bachelor's in Law from the same institution in 1993. Subsequently, Mokaya honed her legal acumen through a Post Graduate Diploma in Law at the esteemed Kenya School of Law.
Her professional trajectory is equally illustrious. Before assuming her current position, Mokaya served as the registrar of the Judicial Service Commission since 2012. Prior to this, she held various judicial roles, including District Magistrate (1997-1999), Resident Magistrate (1999-2003), Senior Resident Magistrate (2003-2008), and Principal Magistrate (2008-2011). Additionally, from 2011 to 2012, she distinguished herself as a Senior Principal Magistrate.
Mokaya's affiliations underscore her commitment to legal excellence, as she is a proud member of esteemed organizations such as the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), the International Association of Women Judges-Kenya, the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries (ICPSK), and the East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA).
New Responsibilities and Mandate
As Chief Registrar, Mokaya assumes multifaceted responsibilities critical to the efficient functioning of the Judiciary. She will serve as the secretary to both the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the National Council on Administration of Justice. Furthermore, Mokaya takes on the crucial roles of Chief Administrator and Accounting Officer of the Judiciary.
Her duties include the preparation of expenditure estimates for each financial year, submission to the National Assembly, and overall management of day-to-day operations and human resources within the judicial service. Mokaya will also oversee support services, encompassing planning, development, and organization of staff, in accordance with the mandates outlined in the Judicial Service Act of 2011.
Frida Boyani Mokaya's appointment heralds a new chapter in the administration of justice, marked by competence, integrity, and dedication to the rule of law. As she steps into her role, her leadership promises to uphold the highest standards of judicial excellence, ensuring the effective and impartial delivery of justice across the nation.