Nairobi, Kenya – Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed 129 judicial officers as adjudicators in the Small Claims Court, a move aimed at strengthening access to justice and speeding up the resolution of minor disputes across the country.
The appointments, which took effect on September 1, 2025, were made under the Small Claims Court Act, 2016. The officers will preside over proceedings within their current and future court stations for the next 12 months.
“This initiative will ensure that citizens seeking redress over small but significant claims, such as consumer or contract disputes, are heard quickly and fairly,” the Judiciary stated.
The appointees include Manuela Kinyanjui, Mercy Nkirote Kinyua, Dennis Nguli Kioko, Everlister Kathure, Dorence Chelangat Soy, Jacinta Mwangi Wangeci, and John Ogutu Ochieng, among others.
Koome emphasised that the expansion of the Small Claims Court system reflects the Judiciary’s broader commitment to reducing case backlogs and enhancing efficiency. “Access to justice is not a privilege, but a constitutional right. These appointments are part of our ongoing reforms to bring justice closer to the people,” she noted.
The Small Claims Court, established in 2016, has jurisdiction to handle civil and commercial claims not exceeding Sh1 million. It was designed to resolve matters within 60 days, making it one of the fastest channels for justice in Kenya’s court system.
In a separate development, Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor appointed Bernard Kipkoech Ngetich and Tom Ratemo to the Board of Directors of the Kenya School of Law (KSL) for a four-year term starting September 26, 2025. The appointments, made under the Kenya School of Law Act, 2012, reaffirm the government’s focus on strengthening institutions that underpin legal education and professional training.
Legal analysts welcomed the announcements, noting that efficient dispute resolution mechanisms are key to restoring public confidence in the justice system.
By broadening judicial capacity, the Judiciary aims to alleviate pressure on magistrates’ courts while reinforcing the constitutional principle of access to timely and affordable justice.
