By Andrew Kariuki

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 37 individuals for appointment as judges to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court, drawing from Kenya’s Bench, Bar, academia and public service.

The nominees represent years of courtroom experience, legal scholarship and public sector service, each bringing a distinct background to the judiciary at a time when the country is under pressure to clear case backlog and strengthen access to justice.

High Court Nominees

Hon. Robinson Ondieki Kebabe – A senior magistrate with long service in the judiciary, having presided over both criminal and civil matters across multiple stations. Widely recognized for his work at the Milimani Law Courts, particularly in handling high-stakes criminal trials involving public figures.

Hon. Roseline Akinyi Oganyo – A career judicial officer with extensive experience in handling family, civil, and succession cases. Noted for her leadership in the Kenya Women Judges Association (KWJA), where she has championed gender-sensitive adjudication.

Hon. Paul Kipkosgei Rotich – A magistrate known for handling criminal trials and case management within the lower courts. Gained prominence for his efficiency in the Limuru and Eldoret circuits in reducing case backlogs.

Hon. Joyce Mkambe Gandani – A judicial officer with experience in civil litigation and commercial disputes. Formerly the Registrar of the Magistrates Court, where she played a key role in the rollout of the Judiciary’s digital filing system.

Hon. Joseph Maloba Were – A long-serving magistrate with broad exposure to both criminal and civil jurisprudence. Known for his expertise in anti-corruption cases, having presided over several high-profile graft trials.

Hon. Dickson Odhiambo Onyango – A judicial officer with experience in constitutional and criminal law matters at the magistracy level. A strong advocate for alternative dispute resolution, often promoting mediation in civil disputes.

Hon. Alex Kimanzi Ithuku – A magistrate who has served in various jurisdictions, handling diverse case categories. Recognized for strict adherence to judicial timelines and timely delivery of judgments.

Hon. Martha Wanzila Mutuku – A judicial officer with notable experience in children’s courts and family law. Presided over landmark children’s cases shaping parental responsibility jurisprudence.

Mr. Bernard Wafula Murunga – An advocate of the High Court with experience in litigation, particularly in civil practice. A seasoned litigator in complex insurance and banking law matters.

Hon. Francis Nyungu Kyambia – A magistrate with years of judicial service in criminal and civil adjudication. Known for his work in remote stations such as Marsabit, expanding access to justice in marginalized regions.

Hon. Letizia Muthoni Wachira – A judicial officer with exposure to administrative and constitutional law issues. Previously served as a Senior Legal Researcher at the Supreme Court.

Hon. Kennedy Lenkamai Kandeti – A magistrate experienced in handling a wide range of legal disputes across Kenya. Recognized for his work in Narok and Kajiado, especially in cases involving customary law.

Hon. Richard Kipkemoi Koech – A judicial officer with a background in criminal justice and trial procedures. A specialist in Admiralty and Maritime Law.

Mr. Emmanuel Omondi Bitta – A practicing advocate with experience in legal advisory and dispute resolution. Formerly a State Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General.

Hon. David Wanjohi Mburu – A magistrate with extensive courtroom experience across several judicial stations. Known for fostering strong relations between the Bar and the Bench.

Mr. Dominic Kipkemoi Rono – An advocate engaged in private legal practice, focusing on litigation. A former Member of Parliament for Belgut.

Ms. Winnie Narasha Molonko – A legal practitioner with experience in both private practice and public legal work. A specialist in human rights law with a background in legal aid.

Ms. Judith Chelangat Mutai – An advocate with experience in civil litigation and legal advisory roles. Known for her work as a corporate legal advisor.

Mr. Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo – A legal practitioner with exposure to commercial and civil disputes. Recognized for expertise in conveyancing and property law.

Ms. Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi – A lawyer with experience in governance, compliance and legal advisory roles. Former Chairperson of the Kenya Law Reform Commission.

Mr. Abdi Mohamud Hassan – An advocate with experience in public law and litigation. A leading legal voice in North Eastern Kenya.

Dr. Nabil Mokaya Orina – A legal scholar and practitioner bringing academic expertise alongside legal practice. A respected constitutional law academic.

Ms. Patricia Naeku Leparashao – A legal professional with experience in advocacy and dispute resolution. A specialist in indigenous rights and community representation.

Ms. Catherine Akaigwa Kassim – An advocate with a background in litigation and client advisory services. Known for her work in probate and estate administration.

Environment and Land Court Nominees

Mr. John Walter Wanyonyi – A legal practitioner with experience in land, property, and environmental disputes. A specialist in compulsory land acquisition.

Hon. Jecinta Atieno Orwa – A magistrate with a background in adjudicating land and civil disputes. Known for firm rulings against land grabbing.

Mr. Peter Muneeno Musyimi – An advocate with experience in property law and land transactions. An expert in sectional property law.

Hon. Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari – A judicial officer with experience in civil litigation and land-related matters. Former Chairman of the Business Premises Rent Tribunal.

Hon. Charity Chebii Oluoch – A magistrate known for handling civil disputes, including land cases. A strong advocate for environmental conservation.

Hon. Gerhard Gitonga Muchege – A judicial officer with experience in environmental and land-related cases. Noted for work on community land rights.

Hon. Charles Nchore Ondieki – A magistrate with exposure to land, civil and administrative law. Experienced in complex succession disputes involving land.

Dr. Robert Omondi Owino – A legal academic with expertise in environmental law and policy. A scholar in climate change litigation.

Hon. Lillian Tsuma Lewa – A judicial officer with experience in land and family law matters. Recognized for her work in coastal land disputes.

Ms. Bellinda Akoth Akello – An advocate with experience in litigation and legal consultancy. A prominent member of the Law Society of Kenya Council.

Hon. Ben Mark Ekhubi – A magistrate experienced in criminal, civil and land dispute resolution. Known for his human-centered approach to justice.

Mr. Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni – A legal practitioner with experience in dispute resolution and litigation. Recognized for representing marginalized communities.

Hon. Elena Gathoni Nderitu – A judicial officer with a background in civil and environmental matters. An expert in urban planning law and zoning disputes.

The JSC says the appointments are part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency in the courts.

“This expansion of judicial capacity will enhance access to justice by improving the judge-to-case ratio and expediting the hearing and determination of cases,” the Commission stated.

What stands out is the balance: experienced magistrates moving up to the High Court, practicing advocates bringing private sector perspective, and academics adding policy and research depth—reflecting a deliberate effort to strengthen the judiciary from multiple fronts.