Strengthening the Judiciary- President Ruto Appoints 37 New Judges To Clear Case Backlog

In a decisive move to streamline Kenya’s legal system, President William Ruto has officially appointed 37 new judges to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court (ELC). The appointments, aimed at tackling a massive backlog of cases, were formalized through a gazette notice on April 24, 2026.

The President exercised his authority under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution to finalize the slate of judicial officers following a rigorous year-long recruitment process.

Expanding the High Court Bench

A total of 24 judges have been added to the High Court. This group includes seasoned legal minds such as Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, and Paul Kipkosgei Rotich.

The full list of new High Court judges also features Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia, and Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga. They are joined by Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoio Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoio Rono, Winnie Narasha Molonko, and Judith Chelangat Mutai.

Rounding off the High Court slate are Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao, and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.

New Appointments to the Environment and Land Court (ELC)

The President also appointed 13 judges to the Environment and Land Court to address critical land-related disputes. The new ELC judges include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Ngyathari, and Charity Chebii Oluoch.

Further appointments to this specialized court include Elena Gathoni Nderitu, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Charles Nchore Ondieki, Dr. Robert Omondi Owino, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Ben Mark Ekhubi, and Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni.

A Highly Competitive Selection Process

These appointments are the culmination of a marathon recruitment drive initiated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on June 9, 2025. The vacancies sparked immense interest across the legal profession, resulting in hundreds of applications:

• High Court: Received 377 applications, with 100 candidates shortlisted.

• ELC: Received 243 applications, with 50 candidates reaching the interview stage.

• Court of Appeal: Received 95 applications, with 35 making the shortlist.

This recruitment follows the earlier appointment of 15 Court of Appeal judges in January 2026. Those promotions created a “domino effect,” as several High Court and ELC judges were elevated to the superior court, necessitating this latest batch of appointments to fill the resulting vacancies and maintain the momentum of judicial reform.