President Ruto Accompanied by the 15 judges. Photo: William Ruto/Facebook
President William Ruto on Wednesday presided over the swearing-in of 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal at State House, Nairobi, marking a significant expansion in the country’s judicial capacity.
The appointments bring the total number of judges in the Court of Appeal to 42, the highest in its history, and aim to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs across the nation.
In his address, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the Judiciary.
“Our commitment to deepening access to justice to all is demonstrable and beyond doubt,” he said.
He noted that the government has expanded human capital within the Judiciary and increased budgetary allocations, which now stand at Ksh 26.9 billion.
The President also highlighted ongoing reforms to improve the welfare of judicial officers, including the Judges’ Retirement and Benefits Bill, currently at the final stages of consideration in Parliament.
He urged the Judiciary to speed up the resolution of cases while remaining sensitive to the lived realities of ordinary Kenyans.
“Its decisions must appear not to impede the implementation of critical public policy priorities,” he added.
The judges sworn in include Hedwig Ong’udi, Mathews Nderi Nduma, Linnet Ndolo, Chacha Mwita, Lucy Njuguna, Samson Okong’o, Rachel Ng’etich, Kigen Katwa, Stephen Radido Okiyo, Brown Kairaria, Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, Sila Munyao, Johnson Okello, and Byram Ongaya.
Chief Justice Martha Koome described the swearing-in as a “proud and defining moment” for the Judiciary.
She praised the expansion of the Court of Appeal as a milestone in enhancing judicial efficiency, reducing case backlogs, and improving access to justice.
“I am confident that the new judges will bring renewed energy, integrity, and intellectual rigour to the Court of Appeal,” Koome said, noting their role in upholding the Constitution and serving Kenyans with diligence.