The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 37 new judges for appointment to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court in a move aimed at strengthening the judiciary and reducing case backlog.
In a statement issued on April 10, the commission said it had concluded the recruitment and selection process after a competitive exercise that attracted hundreds of applicants.
The commission received 377 applications for the High Court and shortlisted 100 candidates, while 243 applications were received for the Environment and Land Court with 50 candidates shortlisted.
After the interviews and vetting process, the JSC nominated 24 candidates for appointment as judges of the High Court and 13 others for the Environment and Land Court.
Among those nominated to the High Court are Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku, Martha Wanzila Mutuku, Benard Wafula Murunga and Francis Nyungu Kyambia.
Others include Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga, Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoi Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoi Rono, Winnie Narasha Molonko, Judith Chelangat Mutai, Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo and Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi.
The list also features Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.
For the Environment and Land Court, the nominees include John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari, Charity Chebii Oluoch, Gerhard Gitonga Muchege and Charles Nchore Ondieki.
Others are Robert Omondi Owino, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Ben Mark Ekhubi, Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni and Elena Gathoni Nderitu.
The commission said the names of the nominees will now be forwarded to the President for appointment as required under the Constitution.
Once appointed, the number of High Court judges will increase from 91 to 115 while those in the Environment and Land Court will rise from 48 to 61, a move expected to improve access to justice and speed up the hearing and determination of cases.
