The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has officially announced a fresh list of nominees for appointment as judges of the High Court and the Environment and Land Court, marking one of the most significant expansions of Kenya’s judiciary in recent years.
In a detailed statement released on April 10, 2026, the Commission confirmed that the recruitment process—initiated in June 2025—has now been concluded, with dozens of candidates successfully vetted and recommended for appointment.
The move is expected to significantly boost judicial capacity, reduce case backlog, and improve access to justice across the country.
A Highly Competitive Recruitment Process
The JSC revealed that the process attracted overwhelming interest from legal professionals across the country:
- Court of Appeal: 95 applicants (35 shortlisted)
- High Court: 377 applicants (100 shortlisted)
- Environment & Land Court: 243 applicants (50 shortlisted)
Following rigorous interviews and public vetting, the Commission finalised nominations for:
- 24 Judges for the High Court
- 13 Judges for the Environment and Land Court
This increase from the initially advertised positions reflects emerging vacancies and strategic adjustments by the Commission to address gaps within the judiciary.
Full List of High Court Judge Nominees
The following 24 individuals have been nominated for appointment as High Court judges:
- Hon. Robinson Ondieki Kebabe
- Hon. Roseline Akinyi Oganyo
- Hon. Paul Kipkosgei Rotich
- Hon. Joyce Mkambe Gandani
- Hon. Joseph Maloba Were
- Hon. Dickson Odhiambo Onyango
- Hon. Alex Kimanzi Ithuku
- Hon. Martha Wanzila Mutuku
- Mr. Benard Wafula Murunga
- Hon. Francis Nyungu Kyambia
- Hon. Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga
- Hon. Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet
- Hon. Richard Kipkemoi Koech
- Mr. Emmanuel Omondi Bitta
- Hon. David Wanjohi Mburu
- Mr. Dominic Kipkemoi Rono
- Ms. Winnie Narasha Molonko
- Ms. Judith Chelangat Mutai
- Mr. Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo
- Ms. Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi
- Mr. Abdi Mohamud Hassan
- Dr. Nabil Mokaya Orina
- Ms. Patricia Naeku Leparashao
- Ms. Catherine Akaiwa Kassim
Nominees for the Environment and Land Court
— Judicial Service Commission Kenya (JSC) (@jsckenya) April 10, 2026
The JSC also nominated 13 candidates for the specialised Environment and Land Court:
- Mr. John Walter Wanyonyi
- Hon. Jecinta Atieno Orwa
- Mr. Peter Muneeno Musyimi
- Hon. Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari
- Hon. Charity Chebii Oluoch
- Hon. Gerhard Gitonga Muchege
- Hon. Charles Nchore Ondieki
- Dr. Robert Omondi Owino
- Hon. Lillian Tsuma Lewa
- Ms. Bellinda Akoth Akello
- Hon. Ben Mark Ekhubi
- Mr. Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni
- Hon. Elena Gathoni Nderitu
Judiciary Expansion and Impact
Upon appointment by William Ruto, the number of High Court judges will increase from 91 to 115, while those in the Environment and Land Court will rise from 48 to 61.
This expansion is expected to:
- Reduce case backlog across courts
- Improve the judge-to-case ratio
- Speed up the delivery of justice
- Enhance public confidence in the judicial system
Integrity, Transparency, and Anti-Corruption Focus
The Commission emphasised that the recruitment process adhered strictly to constitutional principles, including merit, fairness, gender balance, inclusivity, and regional representation.
Candidates were evaluated on:
- Professional competence
- Integrity and ethical conduct
- Legal experience
- Communication skills
- Commitment to public service
At the same time, the JSC acknowledged concerns raised in the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025, noting that corruption within the judiciary remains an issue requiring urgent attention.
The Commission stated that it is working closely with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to strengthen oversight, improve accountability, and seal systemic loopholes.
What Happens Next
The list of nominees has now been forwarded to the President for formal appointment, in line with Article 166 of the Constitution.
Once approved, the new judges will be sworn in and deployed across various stations to reinforce judicial operations nationwide.
A Critical Moment for Kenya’s Justice System
This latest development signals a renewed push to reform and strengthen Kenya’s judiciary at a time when public scrutiny and demand for accountability remain high.
With increasing caseloads, rising public expectations, and growing calls for transparency, the success of these appointments will ultimately be measured not just by numbers—but by the integrity, efficiency, and independence of the judges once they take office.
