NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has formally appointed 37 judges to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court, marking a significant boost to Kenya’s Judiciary amid ongoing efforts to reduce case backlogs and enhance access to justice.
In Gazette Notices No. 5805 and 5806 dated April 24, 2026, the Head of State invoked powers under Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 to appoint the new judges following recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The appointments include judges to the High Court, which handles constitutional and civil matters, as well as the specialised Environment and Land Court, which deals with disputes relating to land and environmental governance.
Among those appointed to the High Court are Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, and Martha Wanzila Mutuku, among others.
The list also includes Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia, Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga, Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoi Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, and Dominic Kipkemoi Rono.
Others are Winnie Narasha Molonko, Judith Chelangat Mutai, Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Dr Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao, and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.
For the Environment and Land Court, those appointed include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari, Charity Chebii Oluoch, Elena Gathoni Nderitu, and Gerhard Gitonga Muchege.
Others are Charles Nchore Ondieki, Dr Robert Omondi Owino, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Ben Mark Ekhubi, and Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni.
The appointments come at a critical time for the Judiciary, which has faced persistent pressure over case delays and capacity constraints, particularly in land disputes and constitutional litigation.
Under Article 166 of the Constitution, judges are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the JSC, a process designed to safeguard judicial independence and merit-based selection.
In a related development, the JSC is set to begin interviews this week for candidates seeking appointment to the Supreme Court, Kenya’s apex court, signalling further changes within the Judiciary’s leadership structure.
The latest appointments are expected to enhance the Judiciary’s capacity, particularly in handling complex land and environmental cases, which have historically contributed significantly to the backlog.
