JSC names 37 judges in major court expansion drive
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 37 candidates for appointment as judges of the High Court and the Environment and Land Court (ELC), in a major recruitment exercise aimed at strengthening judicial capacity and reducing case backlog.
The list has been transmitted to the President for appointment in line with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution.
Names among the nominees
For the High Court, the nominees 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, Winnie Narasha Molonko, and Francis Nyungu Kyambia.
For the Environment and Land Court, the nominees include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari, Charity Chebii Oluoch, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Charles Nchore Ondieki, Robert Omondi Owino, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Ben Mark Ekhubi, Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni, and Elena Gathoni Nderitu.
The Commission said the process attracted strong competition, with 377 applicants for the High Court and 243 for the Environment and Land Court.
Only a small fraction progressed through public interviews that were conducted under live broadcast.
The JSC said the exercise was guided by merit, integrity, gender balance, regional representation, and professional competence.
Once appointed, the Judiciary will see its numbers increase significantly, with High Court judges rising from 91 to 115 and Environment and Land Court judges increasing from 48 to 61.
The Commission said the expansion is intended to improve efficiency, reduce backlog, and enhance access to justice.
Reform and accountability context
The announcement comes as the Judiciary continues to respond to findings from the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025 by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
The JSC said it has already engaged the EACC and is implementing reforms including digitisation of court processes, strengthening integrity systems, and improving transparency in service delivery.
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