Ruto appoints 20 new High Court judges among them 8 women

President William Ruto has appointed 20 new Judges of the High Court following a recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission.

Eight women are among the successful candidates. 100 applicants were shortlisted for the interviews that were concluded on April 30.

The majority of the judges previously served as magistrates.

The President made the appointments in line with the powers conferred by Article 166 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya.

The names are contained in a gazette notice dated May 9.

The JSC advertised 20 vacancies of Judges of the High Court on 13th Oct 2023. Upon closure of the advert, the JSC received 305 applications and shortlisted 100 candidates.

The new judges are Moses Ado Otieno, Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki, John Lolwatan Tamar, Francis Weche Andayi, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, Julius Kipkosgei Ng’ arng’ ar, Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Emily Onyando Ominde and Helene Rafaela Namisi.

Others are Alexander Muasya Muteti, Julius Mukut Nangea, Benjamin Kimani Njoroge, Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Linus Poghon Kassan, Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani, Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Rhoda Cherotich Rutto and Joe Omido Mkutu.

They join 78 Judges serving in 45 stations across the country.

The recruitment is aimed at enhancing access to justice and boosting the clearance of case backlogs.