Faith Masita
President William Ruto today has sworn in 49 judges at State House, Nairobi, in a bold move to tackle court delays and fast-track justice across the country.
The new team includes 37 High Court and Environment and Land Court (ELC) judges, alongside 12 judges of the COMESA Court of Justice, boosting both Kenya’s judiciary and its role in regional law.
“The strengthening of our courts… is a decisive step towards ensuring timely delivery of justice for all Kenyans,” Ruto said during the ceremony.
He struck a firm tone on delays, warning: “Justice delayed is justice denied,” and stressing the need for a more efficient system.
In his capacity as COMESA Chair, the President also oversaw the swearing-in of regional judges, calling the court key to stability in trade and investment. “The COMESA Court of Justice plays a vital role in safeguarding the rule of law across member states,” he said.
Ruto challenged the judges to remain firm and independent. “You carry the immense responsibility of defending the Constitution and protecting the rights of citizens without fear or favour,” he added.
The appointments come due to mounting pressure on courts weighed down by thousands of pending cases, especially in land and constitutional disputes.
With the expanded bench now in place, expectations are high for quicker rulings, reduced backlog, and a judiciary that delivers justice faster—and more fairly.
