By Ongaga Ongaga
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded the recruitment and selection process for judges of the Court of Appeal and forwarded the names of 15 nominees to President William Ruto for appointment.
In a press statement dated January 22, 2026, the Commission said the nominations were made in accordance with Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution and followed a rigorous, transparent and competitive process that included public participation and live interviews.
“The recruitment process was rigorous, transparent, competitive, and transmitted live,” the JSC said, adding that it involved public advertisement of vacancies, public interviews and comprehensive vetting conducted in line with the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and applicable regulations.
According to the Commission, the selection was guided by constitutional principles, including merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance.
Candidates were evaluated on professional competence, written and oral communication skills, integrity, sound judgment, legal and life experience, as well as a demonstrated commitment to public service, the rule of law and constitutionalism.
“In reaching its decision, the Commission was guided by constitutional principles including merit, integrity, fairness, gender parity, inclusivity and regional balance,” the statement read.
The nominees forwarded for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal are Lady Justice Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Justice Mathews Nduma Nderi, Lady Justice Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Justice Enock Chacha Mwita, Lady Justice Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Justice Samson Odhiambo Okong’o, Lady Justice Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Justice Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan, Justice Munyao Sila, Johnson Okoth Okello and Justice Byram Ongaya.
The JSC said it is in the process of formally transmitting the nominees’ names to the President for appointment, marking a key step toward strengthening the capacity of the Court of Appeal.