NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed Wanjiru Karanja as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal following the completion of Justice Daniel Musinga’s five-year term at the helm of the country’s second-highest court.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Judiciary said the appointment became necessary after Justice Daniel Musinga completed his non-renewable term on May 24, 2026.
“Justice Karanja is the court’s senior most judge. She will hold the position pending the election of a substantive president by the Judges of Appeal,” the Judiciary said.
Justice Karanja, currently the most senior judge at the Court of Appeal, will oversee the institution’s operations until judges of the appellate court elect a substantive president in accordance with judicial procedures.
Her appointment places her at the centre of Kenya’s appellate justice system at a time when the Judiciary continues to implement reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing case backlogs and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
Justice Karanja brings more than four decades of judicial experience to the role. She holds a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from the University of London and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Nairobi.
She began her judicial career in March 1985 after being appointed District Magistrate II (Professional). Over the years, she rose through the ranks of the Judiciary, serving in various capacities before becoming Chief Magistrate in charge of the Anti-Corruption Court in 2002.
In 2004, she was appointed a High Court judge and served in several stations across the country before her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2012.
Justice Karanja is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, both in London and Kenya, reflecting her extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution and judicial administration.
