President William Ruto on Monday swore in 37 newly appointed judges in what is now the largest single intake of judges in Kenya’s history, a move expected to ease case backlog and expand access to justice across the country.

The ceremony, held at State House, Nairobi, saw 24 judges join the High Court while 13 were sworn in to serve in the Environment and Land Court. The appointments followed a recruitment process conducted by the Judicial Service Commission. The judiciary said the swearing-in was conducted in line with article 74 of the constitution, which requires state officers to take the oath of office before assuming duty.

The new appointments raise the number of High Court judges to 115 and Environment and Land Court judges to 62, a development expected to strengthen service delivery in the justice system.

Speaking during the ceremony, president Ruto said the expansion of the bench was part of efforts to strengthen the Judiciary and improve the administration of justice.

“The government attaches great importance to the role of the judiciary in nation-building,” Ruto said.

He said justice should not be treated as an abstract constitutional principle, but as a practical tool for addressing social concerns, improving governance and protecting citizens’ rights.

“Guided by our constitution, which guarantees access to justice for all, we view justice not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical instrument for advancing social justice, strengthening governance, and improving the lives of our citizens,” he said.

The president also challenged the new judges to uphold high professional standards, saying judicial independence must go hand in hand with accountability and performance.

“Judges wield immense power over liberty, property, and the administration of justice. With such authority must come clear and measurable standards of professional excellence,” he said.

He added that while judicial independence remains central to the rule of law, it should not be used to protect inefficiency.

“Judicial independence is indispensable, but it must safeguard the integrity of decision-making, not shield poor performance,” Ruto said.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor.

Those sworn in to the High Court include Robinson Ondieki Kebabe, Joyce Mkambe Gandani, Joseph Maloba Were, Roseline Akinyi Oganyo, Paul Kipkosgei Rotich, Dickson Odhiambo Onyango, Alex Kimanzi Ithuku and Martha Wanzila Mutuku.

Others are Benard Wafula Murunga, Francis Nyungu Kyambia, Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga, Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet, Richard Kipkemoio Koech, Emmanuel Omondi Bitta, David Wanjohi Mburu, Dominic Kipkemoio Rono and Winnie Narasha Molonko.

Also joining the High Court bench are Judith Chelangat Mutai, Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo, Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi, Abdi Mohamud Hassan, Nabil Mokaya Orina, Patricia Naeku Leparashao and Catherine Akaigwa Kassim.

The new Environment and Land Court judges are John Walter Wanyonyi, Jecinta Atieno Orwa, Peter Muneeno Musyimi, Cyprian Mugambi Ngyathari, Charity Chebii Oluoch and Elena Gathoni Nderitu.

Others are Gerhard Gitonga Muchege, Charles Nchore Ondieki, Robert Omondi Owino, Bellinda Akoth Akello, Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Ben Mark Ekhubi and Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni.

In a separate but related ceremony, Ruto, in his capacity as chairperson of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, also presided over the swearing-in of 12 judges of the COMESA Court of Justice.

The regional court is responsible for interpreting and upholding the COMESA treaty, including resolving disputes arising from the bloc’s legal and trade framework.

The new COMESA Court of Justice judges include Marvin Mwanamwambwa of Zambia, who will serve as president of the court. Judges elected to the Appellate Division include Onephore Baroreraho of Burundi, Monica Mugenyi of Uganda, Timothy Msungama of Malawi and Salohy Randrianarisoa of Madagascar.

The first instance division will be headed by Justice Aggrey Muchelule of Kenya as principal judge. Other judges in the division are Ahmed Tharwat Mohmed of Egypt, Mazwendoda Mavuso of Eswatini, Ah Foon Chui Yew Cheong of Mauritius, Samia Bella Andre of Seychelles, Ibrahim Hamid of Sudan and Lavender Makoni of Zimbabwe.

Ruto urged the COMESA judges to approach their work with diligence, noting that court decisions have consequences beyond legal disputes.

“Each case file represents more than a dispute; it carries with it livelihoods, investments, and the hopes of individuals and communities,” he said.

He added that justice must be both legally sound and responsive to the social and economic realities facing citizens and institutions.

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