President William Ruto has appointed 15 Court of Appeal judges, completing a key judicial process that many had awaited. The move follows recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission after public interviews and vetting.
The gazette notice, issued on Tuesday, formally elevates the judges to Kenya’s second-highest court. The appointments come at a critical time as the judiciary pushes to cut case backlogs and improve efficiency.
The list features seasoned judges, legal scholars, and public figures, including Katwa Kigen, Chacha Mwita, and Issack Hassan.
15 Court of Appeal Judges Appointed to Strengthen the Judiciary
President Ruto approved all the names forwarded by the JSC last week, signaling confidence in the commission’s selection process.
The appointments immediately take effect following gazettement, allowing the judges to assume office without delay. The 15 Court of Appeal 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
- Munyao Sila
- Johnson Okoth Okello
- Justice Byram Ongaya
This elevation fills long-standing vacancies at the Court of Appeal. It also expands the bench to 42 judges from the previous 27. The increase gives the court more capacity to hear appeals promptly and reduce delays that have frustrated litigants for years.
The JSC conducted open interviews and public vetting to test integrity, competence, and experience. Civil society groups, professional bodies, and members of the public submitted memoranda. The process aimed to build trust and ensure only qualified candidates reached the appellate bench.
Katwa Kigen Chacha Mwita and Issack Hassan Stand Out
Several names among the 15 Court of Appeal Judges have drawn public attention. Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa stands out due to his close professional history with President Ruto. Katwa has built a reputation as a seasoned advocate and strategist. His elevation places a familiar legal mind at the heart of appellate decision-making.
Enock Chacha Mwita brings deep judicial experience from the High Court. He has handled complex constitutional and commercial matters. Colleagues often describe him as methodical and firm. His presence adds weight to the bench as the court handles sensitive appeals.
Ahmed Issack Hassan also joins the court after a high-profile public career. He previously served as chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and as head of the electoral commission. His background in governance and accountability is expected to enrich appellate deliberations, especially in cases touching on public interest and state power.
Other appointees also carry strong credentials. Hedwig Ong’udi and Mathews Nduma Nderi have long judicial records. Linnet Mumo Ndolo and Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna add depth in constitutional interpretation. Brown Murungi Kairaria and Justice Byram Ongaya bring academic rigor and judicial discipline to the court.
How the 15 Court of Appeal Judges Will Tackle Case Backlogs
The appointment of the 15 Court of Appeal Judges directly targets Kenya’s persistent case backlog. The Judiciary has struggled for years with delays across all levels. However, recent data shows progress.
The State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report for the 2023/24 financial year shows a drop in pending cases across courts. The total fell from 272,678 in June 2023 to 244,267 by June 2024. Magistrates’ Courts still hold the largest share, but appellate courts have also improved.
The Court of Appeal reduced its pending cases from 6,942 to 5,822 within one year. That decline reflects better case management and increased judicial output. The arrival of 15 more judges is expected to accelerate this trend.
These judges will hear appeals from the High Court and select tribunals. They will review civil and criminal matters where parties allege errors in law or fact. Faster hearings and timely judgments should improve confidence in the justice system.
The expanded bench also allows for more panels to sit simultaneously across regions. This flexibility cuts waiting times and reduces the burden on individual judges. It also supports the Judiciary’s broader reforms aimed at efficiency and access to justice.
As the 15 Court of Appeal Judges take their seats, expectations remain high. Their performance will shape jurisprudence and influence public trust. For now, the appointments mark a decisive step toward a stronger and more responsive appellate court.
