By Alex Sifuna | Monday, May 4, 2026
President William Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday oversaw the swearing-in of 37 newly appointed judges at State House Nairobi.
The judges are set to serve in the High Court and the Environment and Land Court after their appointment by the Judicial Service Commission.
The ceremony, which kicked off at 8:00 a.m., drew senior state officials, among them Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The Judicial Service Commission on April 10, 2026, confirmed it had finalized the hiring exercise, terming the process rigorous, competitive, and transparent.
Those sworn in as High Court judges include Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Richard Kipkemoi Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoi Rono, and Winnie Narasha Molonko.
New appointees to the Environment and Land Court comprise John Walter Wanyonyi, Dr. Robert Omondi Owino, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari, Ben Mark Ekhubi, Charity Chebii Oluoch, Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Elena Gathoni Nderitu, and Charles Nchore Ondieki.
The commission disclosed that the vacancies attracted significant interest, with 95 applicants for the Court of Appeal, 377 for the High Court, and 243 for the Environment and Land Court. From these, 35, 100, and 50 candidates were shortlisted respectively.
It further explained that earlier elevations to the Court of Appeal left gaps in the lower courts, leading to an expansion of available slots. Consequently, High Court positions were increased from 20 to 24, while those in the Environment and Land Court rose from 10 to 13 to meet demand.
