Ruto Names Over 30 Judges in Fresh High Court and ELC Appointments
President William Ruto has appointed 37 new judges to the High Court of Kenya and the Environment and Land Court (ELC), in a sweeping move aimed at easing the country’s mounting case backlog and improving access to justice.
The appointments, formally gazetted on April 24, 2026, were made under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to appoint judges upon recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The decision marks one of the largest single expansions of Kenya’s judiciary in recent years.
Of the 37 newly appointed judges, 24 have been deployed to the High Court. Among them are Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, and Paul Kipkosgei Rotich. Others include Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Benard Wafula Murunga, and Francis Nyungu Kyambia.
Also joining the High Court bench are Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga, Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoio Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, and David Wanjohi Mburu. The list is completed by 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.
In parallel, 13 judges have been appointed to the Environment and Land Court. These include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Ngyathari, and Charity Chebii Oluoch. Others named are 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.
“Upon appointment, the number of judges in the High Court will increase from 91 to 115, while those in the Environment and Land Court will rise from 48 to 61,” the JSC confirmed. “This expansion is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of the judiciary to deliver timely justice to Kenyans.”
The recruitment process included rigorous shortlisting and public interviews, a hallmark of judicial appointments in Kenya aimed at ensuring transparency and merit-based selection. All candidates underwent vetting before the final list was forwarded to the President for formal appointment.
The latest appointments come months after a similar exercise targeting the Court of Appeal of Kenya, where 15 judges were appointed in January 2026. That earlier round created additional vacancies in the High Court and ELC after several judges were elevated, while others exited the bench through retirement.
However, analysts caution that while the appointments are a critical step, broader institutional reforms—including digitisation of court processes and improved infrastructure—will be necessary to fully address systemic delays.
President Ruto has consistently emphasised the need for an efficient and independent judiciary as part of his administration’s governance agenda. The latest appointments are seen as aligning with that goal, particularly in restoring public confidence in the justice system.
“These appointments will go a long way in strengthening the administration of justice and ensuring that Kenyans are not subjected to prolonged delays in court processes,” a senior judiciary official noted. “A well-resourced bench is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights.”
As the newly appointed judges prepare to assume office, attention now shifts to how quickly the expanded bench will translate into reduced case backlogs and improved service delivery across courts. The move signals a renewed push to enhance judicial efficiency and ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done in a timely manner.
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Ruto Names Over 30 Judges in Fresh High Court and ELC Appointments
