- JSC has picked 15 people for possible appointment to the Court of Appeal
- The list includes High Court judges and lawyers from private practice
- The move aims to strengthen the appellate court and ease workload pressure
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken another step toward expanding the Court of Appeal after unveiling a list of 15 nominees being considered for judgeship.
The move is part of wider efforts to improve service delivery at the appellate level, where cases from the High Court and specialised courts are handled.
The nominees bring together experience from both the Bench and private legal practice, a mix meant to balance courtroom knowledge with practical legal skills.
Those currently serving as High Court judges include Hedwig Imbosa Ong’udi, Mathews Nduma Nderi, Linnet Mumo Ndolo, Enock Chacha Mwita, Lucy Mwihaki Njuguna, Samson Odhiambo Okongo, Rachel Chepkoech Ngetich, Stephen Andersen Radido Okiyo, Munyao Sila and Byram Ongaya.
The JSC also shortlisted five advocates drawn from outside the High Court.
They are Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Brown Murungi Kairaria, Ahmed Issack Hassan, Paul Lilan and Johnson Okoth Okello.
Their inclusion reflects the commission’s approach of opening the appellate bench to diverse legal backgrounds.
The nomination stage does not mark the end of the process.
All shortlisted candidates will go through additional checks, including public participation and suitability reviews, before the commission settles on final recommendations.
Once the vetting process is complete, the JSC will forward its recommendations to the President for formal appointment, in line with constitutional requirements.
The commission stated that details regarding interviews and public vetting sessions will be communicated in due course as the process progresses.
