Following the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), President William Ruto this morning appointed 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, marking one of the most significant judicial expansions in recent years.
The appointments, which come after a rigorous vetting and selection process, are aimed at enhancing the judiciary’s capacity, reducing case backlogs, and reinforcing the independence of Kenya’s appellate system.
The appointments were made under Gazette Notice No. 1000 and are anchored in Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, which grants the President authority to appoint judges of superior courts.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint” the listed individuals “to be Judges of the Court of Appeal,” the notice states.
Those appointed are Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, Johnson Okoth Okello, Munyao Sila, and Byram Ongaya.
The formal gazettement gives legal effect to the appointments. Judges of the Court of Appeal serve in one of the country’s superior courts, handling appeals from the High Court and other tribunals as provided for under the law.
Following the latest appointments, the number of judges at the Court of Appeal has risen from 27 to 42, marking one of the most significant staffing increases at the appellate court in recent years.
The development follows a process initiated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which on January 22 announced the nomination of 15 candidates for appointment to the appellate bench.
The Commission said the recruitment was aimed at expanding the court’s capacity and accelerating the resolution of pending cases.
In a statement at the time, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Commission had concluded what she described as a rigorous and transparent recruitment process and would forward the names to the President for appointment in line with the Constitution.
The vacancies were publicly advertised, and the process incorporated public participation at multiple stages, including shortlisting and interviews that were broadcast live.
According to the Commission, vetting of candidates was conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and relevant regulations.
In making its selections, the JSC said it applied constitutional principles of merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance.
Candidates were assessed on competence, communication, integrity, judgment, experience and commitment to the rule of law and public service, the Commission said.
The increase in the number of judges is intended to reduce the court’s case backlog and improve access to justice through faster determination of appeals.
The JSC had congratulated the nominees and thanked applicants and members of the public who participated in the process, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and the efficient administration of justice.
With the publication of the Gazette notice, the appointment process has now been concluded, clearing the way for the expanded bench to serve at the Court of Appeal under the constitutional framework governing judicial appointments.
