NAIROBI, Kenya — The Court of Appeal of Kenya will hear 406 appeals and applications over an intensive four-day session starting Monday, February 23, in a bid to reduce case backlogs and expedite justice delivery.
Judiciary Communications Practitioner Zakheem Rajan said the hearings, scheduled to run through February 26, have been made possible by the recent appointment of 15 new judges.
“406 appeals & applications, all in 4 days, start tomorrow at the Court of Appeal. With 15 new judges, we are tackling delays & improving access to justice like never before,” Rajan said.
Kenya’s Judiciary annual report shows over 14,000 unresolved matters, with more than 600 new appeals filed daily, highlighting the urgent need for a clearance strategy.
The four-day session will cover civil, criminal, and commercial appeals. Court officials assured litigants and advocates that all logistical arrangements have been made to ensure smooth proceedings.
The Court had previously scheduled 148 judgments and rulings for delivery in late January, and 406 appeals were set for hearing in early February 2026.
Last financial year, the Court of Appeal recorded a clearance rate of less than 40pc, prompting reforms to accelerate case disposal and enhance access to justice for all litigants.
Judicial analysts say the current exercise represents a significant step toward tackling Kenya’s persistent backlog, ensuring timely rulings, and strengthening public confidence in the legal system.
