Stacy Boit,

The Judiciary is set for a major expansion following the nomination and upcoming swearing-in of 37 judges, in what Chief Justice Martha Koome has described as a significant strengthening of judicial capacity.

In a statement issued alongside the nomination of Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame to the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice confirmed that 24 High Court judges and 13 Environment and Land Court judges will take their oath of office next week before President William Ruto.

“The Commission has further nominated 24 Judges to the High Court and 13 Judges to the Environment and Land Court, who are set to take their Oath of Office next week.”

The appointments follow a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission and are expected to ease pressure on the courts.

Once sworn in, the new additions will bring the total number of judges appointed in 2026 to 52 across the superior courts, the highest number of judicial appointments made within a four-month period in Kenya’s history.

“In total, 52 judges will have been appointed across 3 superior courts in this single year, the largest judicial expansion in Kenya’s recent history.”

Chief Justice Koome noted that the latest appointments mark a turning point for the Judiciary, with a focus on improving efficiency and access to justice.

“These appointments… must translate into measurable benefits for the people of Kenya through enhanced performance, expeditious disposal of cases and sustained reduction of case backlog.”

She added that the Judiciary is also moving towards greater accountability and transparency in its operations.

“The Judiciary shall commence the publication of individual performance data for Judges and Judicial officers… in a structured and transparent framework.”

The developments signal a renewed push to strengthen the administration of justice, with expectations that the expanded bench will improve service delivery and restore public confidence in the courts.