President William Ruto has appointed 15 new judges to the Court of Appeal following a recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
The appointments come after the JSC shortlisted 35 candidates for the positions. The vacancies were advertised on June 9, 2025, inviting applications from qualified Kenyans to fill 15 available slots at the Court of Appeal.
The appointment was made through a special gazette notice dated January 27, 2026.
Among those appointed are former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan and High Court Judge Ebock Chacha Mwita.
Others appointed to the appellate court include Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Stephen Andersen Radibo Okiyo, and Brown Murungi Kairaria.
The remaining appointees are Paula Lilan, Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello, and Byram Ongaya.
Judges of the Court of Appeal play a critical role in Kenya’s justice system. Their main responsibility is to hear appeals from lower courts, particularly the High Court, and determine whether cases were handled fairly and in line with the law.
Unlike trial courts, the Court of Appeal does not hear new evidence. Instead, judges review records from lower courts, examine written submissions, and listen to oral arguments before making their decisions.
The Court of Appeal is a key institution in shaping legal precedent and upholding constitutional justice in Kenya.
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