JSC recommends 37 judges for High Court and Environment and Land Court

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended 37 judges for appointment to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court as part of efforts to enhance judicial capacity and expedite justice delivery.
Commission Chairperson Martha Koome announced that the names of 24 candidates for the High Court and 13 for the Environment and Land Court have been submitted to the President for formal appointment, pursuant to Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution.
The positions were initially advertised in June 2025, drawing numerous applications. High Court positions attracted 377 submissions, while 243 candidates applied for the Environment and Land Court vacancies.
The Commission expanded the available positions following additional vacancies created by promotions to the Court of Appeal and retirements. This decision was informed by a High Court ruling in Okoiti v Judicial Service Commission & another; Kiprotich & 6 others, which confirmed the JSC’s authority to fill new vacancies during an ongoing recruitment.
According to the JSC, the selection process maintained transparency through public involvement and live-streamed interviews. Candidates were evaluated based on merit, integrity, competence, communication abilities, and dedication to public service.
Upon appointment, High Court judges will increase from 91 to 115 members, while the Environment and Land Court will expand from 48 to 61 judges. The Commission anticipates this growth will enhance access to justice, reduce case backlogs, and improve court efficiency.
High Court nominees include Hon. Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, and Joseph Maloba Were, among others. Environment and Land Court selections comprise Hon. Ben Mark Ekhubi, Hon. Charles Nchore Ondieki, John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, and Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari.
Simultaneously, the JSC responded to concerns highlighted in the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025, which identified corruption issues in the public sector, specifically within the Judiciary.
Koome stated that the Commission has engaged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to examine the findings and implement appropriate corrective measures.
“Our stance is clear and unwavering: we will not accept corruption and will take action whenever integrity is questioned,” Martha Koome emphasized.
She detailed measures already implemented by the Judiciary, including system audits, establishment of integrity committees across court facilities, increased automation of court procedures, and public forums like Judiciary Dialogue Days.
The JSC also confirmed the completion of regulations governing complaints against judges, aimed at improving accountability and transparency.
Koome called on the public to report corruption within the justice system, stressing that accountability is a collective responsibility.
“Judicial power originates from the Kenyan people and must be exercised with integrity, impartiality, and adherence to the Constitution,” she stated.
The recommendations now await final approval by the President.