President William Ruto has formally appointed 15 judges to the Court of Appeal, marking a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s justice system.

The appointments were published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated January 27, 2026, and shared on X by Public Service Principal Secretary Felix Kosgei.

The move follows recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and comes at a time when the judiciary is under pressure to clear case backlogs and improve access to justice across the country.

The appointments were made under the Constitution and take immediate effect upon gazettement. The Court of Appeal is the second-highest court in Kenya and plays a critical role in reviewing decisions from the High Court. By adding new judges, the government aims to improve efficiency and ensure the timely resolution of appeals for citizens, institutions, and businesses.

In the gazette notice, the President sets out the constitutional basis for the appointments and formally names the judges who will now serve on the appellate bench.

“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 statement reads.

The notice then lists the individuals appointed to the Court of Appeal, drawn from diverse professional and regional backgrounds, reflecting the recommendations of the JSC.
1. Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi,
2. Mathews Nduma Nderi,
3. Linnet Mumo Ndolo,
4. Enock Chacha Mwita,
5. Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna,
6. Samson Odhiambo Okongo,
7. Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich,
8. Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa,
9. Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo,
10. Brown Murungi Kairaria,
11. Ahmed Issack Hassan,
12. Paul Lilan,
13. Munyao Sila,
14. Johnson Okoth Okello,
15. Byram Ongaya

The appointments are expected to ease pressure on the Court of Appeal, which handles complex and often high-stakes cases involving constitutional questions, electoral disputes, commercial matters, and criminal appeals.

JSC appointment

 In a statement that was released by the JSC, the recruitment process was a competitive one, and the subsequent action was to submit the names to President William Ruto for appointment before commencement of duty.

“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded the recruitment and selection process for the appointment of Judges of the Court of Appeal and is in the process of transmitting the names of the nominees to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya for appointment, in accordance with Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” JSC stated.

The Law Society of Kenya is now expected to work harmoniously with theJSC expedite cases, as the Faith has remarked with high expectations of the judges to be prudent and diligent.