President William Ruto has appointed fifteen judges to the Court of Appeal, raising the bench from 27 to 42 and marking one of the most significant expansions in recent years. The appointments were formalised through a Special Issue of The Kenya Gazette on January 27, 2026.
The newly appointed judges are Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, Johnson Okoth Okello, Munyao Sila, and Byram Ongaya.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint the above individuals to be Judges of the Court of Appeal,” the Gazette notice stated.
The appointments follow nominations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) announced on January 22. The JSC said the recruitment process was designed to expand the court’s capacity and accelerate the resolution of pending cases. Chief Justice Martha Koome described the selection as the result of a “rigorous and transparent recruitment process.”
The process included public advertising of vacancies, live interviews, and opportunities for public participation. According to the JSC, candidates were assessed on competence, integrity, judgment, experience, and commitment to the rule of law. The commission also emphasised adherence to principles of gender parity, inclusivity, and regional balance.
With the publication of the Gazette notice, the appointments have now been formalised. The new judges will take up their roles under Kenya’s constitutional framework, serving in one of the country’s superior courts and hearing appeals from the High Court and other tribunals.
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