President Ruto promises CJ Koome 228 new judges and magistrates by March
The Kenyan government has announced plans to appoint 60 new High Court judges and 168 resident magistrates by March 2026
The Kenyan government has announced plans to appoint 60 new High Court judges and 168 resident magistrates by March 2026 in order to strengthen the judiciary and ease the backlog of cases across the country.
Speaking during the swearing-in of 15 Court of Appeal judges at State House, President William Ruto highlighted that these appointments are part of a broader effort to expand judicial capacity and improve the efficiency of the courts.
This administration has consistently committed resources to strengthen the judiciary’s human capital, ensuring it has the capacity, skills, and institutional depth required to effectively deliver on its constitutional mandate.
In the High Court, a total of 60 new judges will have been appointed by March this year,” he stated.
The recruitment of High Court judges is being carried out in phases, with 20 appointed in December 2022, a further 20 in May 2024, and the final 20 set to be selected through a process expected to commence on February 4, 2026.
According to the president, the Judicial Service Commission had already recruited 168 resident magistrates, significantly strengthening service delivery at lower courts.
ODM members are being forced to declare loyalty to government; Winnie Odinga
NTSA clarifies rolling out mandatory physical fitness tests for PSV drivers
Kenya and Germany explore labour migration sdolutions amid demand for skilled workers
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to Visit Kenya (DETAILS)
As of December 2025, the Court of Appeal was managing a pending caseload of 14,300 matters, with a case clearance rate of 68 percent.
These figures underline the need to expand judicial capacity to keep pace with increasing demand.
“These appointments are enhancing judicial capacity where it is most needed and easing pressure across the judicial system,” he added.
Furthermore, President Ruto emphasized that the government’s support extends beyond recruitment, noting that the judiciary’s budget allocation increased from 18.8 billion Kenyan shillings in 2023 to 21.8 billion in 2024, reinforcing resources for staffing, infrastructure, and court operations.
As of January 2026, the Kenyan Judiciary has implemented several strategic measures to address the persistent backlog of cases.
In December 2025, 100 resident magistrates were appointed to strengthen subordinate courts, which handle the majority of pending criminal and civil cases.
Oketch Salah responds after Winnie Odinga said he should be in Mathare Hospital
56% of MPs won’t be re-elected – Wetangula says as he pushes for pension funding
Kiraitu Murungi retires from active politics
Deputy headteacher sentenced to 28 years for defilement
Follow us
