President William Ruto on Monday presided over the swearing in of 37 newly appointed judges in a move aimed at strengthening Kenya judiciary and addressing longstanding case backlogs.
The ceremony, held in Nairobi, marked a significant milestone for the country legal system as the new judges officially joined the High Court and the Environment and Land Court. The appointments were formalised through a gazette notice issued on 24 April 2026, in line with Article 166 of the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates the president to appoint judges.
Of the 37 judges sworn in, 24 have been deployed to the High Court while 13 will serve in the Environment and Land Court. The appointments come at a time when Kenya judiciary continues to face a growing backlog of cases, leaving many citizens waiting years for resolution.
The Judicial Service Commission had previously advertised 20 High Court vacancies, 15 Court of Appeal positions and 10 Environment and Land Court slots. The recruitment process was aimed at increasing judicial capacity and improving efficiency in the justice system.
Legal analysts say the addition of more judges is expected to ease pressure on courts, particularly in urban centres where case volumes remain high. The move is also seen as a step towards ensuring timely delivery of justice.
Judges appointed to High Court and Environment and Land Court
Among those appointed to the High Court are Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo and Paul Kipkosgei Rotich.
Other appointees include Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia and Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga.
The list also features Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoio Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoio Rono, Winnie Narasha Molonko, Judith Chelangat Mutai, Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.
The Environment and Land Court bench has been strengthened with the appointment of 13 judges. Those sworn in include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi and Cyprian Mugambi Ngyathari.
Others are Charity Chebii Oluoch, Elena Gathoni Nderitu, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Charles Nchore Ondieki, Robert Omondi Owino, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Ben Mark Ekhubi and Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni.
The Environment and Land Court handles disputes related to land ownership, use and environmental matters, areas that have historically generated high volumes of litigation in Kenya.
The swearing in underscores the government commitment to reinforcing the rule of law and improving access to justice. Experts note that increasing the number of judges could significantly reduce delays in hearing and determining cases.
