Principal Prosecution Counsel – DPP 6 (Forty-Four [44] Posts)

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is hiring qualified and experienced legal professionals to fill Forty-Four (44) vacancies for the position of Principal Prosecution Counsel – DPP 6. These roles present exceptional opportunities for advocates seeking senior prosecutorial and leadership roles within Kenya’s criminal justice system and those exploring Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions careers at an advanced professional level.

Key Job Information

• Position: Principal Prosecution Counsel
• Job Grade: DPP 6
• Number of Vacancies: 44
• Organization: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
• Location: Various Duty Stations, Kenya
• Employment Type: Permanent and Pensionable
• Experience Level: Senior / Management
• Basic Salary Scale: Kshs. 106,000 – Kshs. 155,200 per month
• Application Deadline: 14th January 2026, 5:00 PM (EAT)

About the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is a constitutional office established under Article 157 of the Constitution of Kenya. The ODPP is mandated to exercise state powers of prosecution independently, impartially, and in the public interest, free from direction or control by any person or authority.

Guided by its mission, “To provide impartial, innovative, efficient and effective prosecution service,” the ODPP plays a central role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice. Careers at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions attract highly skilled legal professionals committed to ethical leadership, accountability, and service to the public.

As part of ongoing institutional strengthening, the ODPP continues to recruit experienced prosecutors to support complex criminal litigation, inter-agency collaboration, and policy advisory functions. These vacancies represent some of the most competitive public sector legal jobs in Kenya and are ideal for advocates seeking long-term ODPP employment with structured career progression.

Job Description

The Principal Prosecution Counsel – DPP 6 is a senior prosecutorial and supervisory role responsible for handling complex criminal cases, guiding prosecution strategy, and providing legal advisory services at the sub-county and county levels. Officers at this level report to the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions and contribute directly to the effectiveness of prosecution services.

This role is well suited for legal professionals seeking senior prosecution counsel jobs in Kenya, particularly those with demonstrated litigation expertise, leadership capability, and a strong understanding of criminal law and procedure.

In addition to courtroom responsibilities, the position involves mentoring junior prosecution counsel, strengthening collaboration with criminal justice stakeholders, and supporting institutional planning and reporting functions within the ODPP.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct criminal and related proceedings in courts of law on behalf of the State.
• Analyse court judgments and prepare documentation for appeals, reviews, revisions, and related proceedings where necessary.
• Guide and supervise Prosecution Counsel in developing and executing pre-trial, in-trial, and post-trial prosecution strategies.
• Draft legal pleadings, submissions, and prosecutorial opinions.
• Advise government departments and agencies on criminal matters at the Sub-County level.
• Promote and strengthen collaborative partnerships with other criminal justice agencies and stakeholders.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of quarterly, annual, and statutory reports.
• Oversee development and implementation of annual work plans, procurement plans, and budgets.
• Conduct prosecution of complex and high-profile criminal cases.
• Collate, analyse, and submit criminal justice statistical data for planning and policy formulation.

Required Qualifications

• A cumulative service period of five (5) years or more at the grade of DPP 7.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Law from a recognized institution.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies from the Council of Legal Education.
• Admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
• Current membership in good standing with the Law Society of Kenya.
• Senior Management Course or an equivalent management course from a recognized institution lasting not less than four (4) weeks.
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and measurable results.
• Compliance with the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience handling complex criminal litigation.
• Demonstrated leadership in supervising legal teams.
• Experience working with multi-agency criminal justice stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and legal research skills.

Benefits and Compensation

Successful candidates will be appointed on permanent and pensionable terms and will enjoy a competitive public sector remuneration package in line with government policy.

• House Allowance: Kshs. 45,000 per month
• Commuter Allowance: Kshs. 5,000 per month
• Non-Practicing Allowance: Kshs. 15,000 per month
• Special Legal Allowance: Kshs. 45,000 per month
• Entertainment Allowance: Kshs. 7,500 per month
• Responsibility Allowance: Kshs. 3,200 per month
• Leave Allowance: Kshs. 6,000 per annum
• Medical Insurance Cover: As provided under ODPP staff medical scheme
• Group Life Insurance: As per ODPP policy
• Group Personal Accident Insurance: As per ODPP policy
• Car Loan: Up to Kshs. 5 Million

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now option available on the ODPP careers platform.

Applications must be submitted ONLINE ONLY through the ODPP website careers page at www.odpp.go.ke or via https://jobs.prosecutions.go.ke/, attaching copies of the following documents:

• National Identity Card
• Academic and professional certificates and transcripts
• Supporting documents and testimonials
• Letter of appointment to the current substantive post
• Letter of appointment to the previous post
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete. Providing false information or canvassing in any form will result in automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to present original documents during interviews. It is a criminal offence to present fake certificates or documents.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted on or before 14th January 2026 at 5:00 PM (East African Time).

This recruitment is conducted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and approved by Renson M. Ingonga, CBS, OGW – Director of Public Prosecutions.