President William Ruto has appointed 15 judges to Kenya’s Court of Appeal, increasing the number of appellate judges from 27 to 42. The appointments were published in a Gazette Notice dated January 27, 2026, following recommendations by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The President said the appointments comply with the Constitution and laws governing judicial nominations. The new judges include serving High Court judges, senior advocates and experienced legal practitioners, bringing a mix of judicial and professional expertise to the appellate bench.
The judges appointed to the Court of Appeal are Ahmed Issack Hassan, Katwa Kigen, Chacha Mwita, Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Paul Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya. Ahmed Issack Hassan currently chairs the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, while Katwa Kigen is a senior advocate. Several appointees are sitting High Court judges with extensive legal experience.
The appointments followed a competitive recruitment process conducted by the JSC, which concluded public interviews last week. The process began with the public advertisement of vacancies and included public participation, shortlisting, live-streamed interviews, and comprehensive vetting of candidates. The JSC confirmed that the recruitment was conducted according to the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act, and other regulations governing judicial appointments.
Candidates were evaluated on merit, integrity, gender parity, inclusivity, regional balance, professional competence, communication skills, legal experience, sound judgment, and commitment to public service, the rule of law, and constitutionalism. The JSC emphasized that these criteria ensure the selection of judges who can uphold the highest standards of justice.
With the appointments, the Court of Appeal now has 42 judges, strengthening its capacity to hear and determine appeals efficiently. The expanded bench is expected to reduce case backlogs and enhance the delivery of justice. The Court of Appeal plays a critical role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping Kenya’s jurisprudence on civil, criminal, and constitutional matters.
The new appointments signal the government’s commitment to reinforcing the judiciary and improving access to justice across the country. Legal experts say the diverse mix of experience among the new judges will contribute to fair, transparent, and timely appellate decisions. The JSC has encouraged the public to support the new judges as they take up their responsibilities on the appellate bench.
