President William Ruto has appointed 15 Judges of the Court of Appeal.
In a Gazette notice dated January 27, 2026, President Ruto appointed the judges after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) forwarded their names to the Head of State following the conclusion of the recruitment and selection process.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 156 (1) (4) of the Constitution, 1, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint…..to be Judges of the Court of Appeal.”
Among those appointed are Senior Counsels Katwa Kigen and Issack Hassan. The 15 were selected from 35 candidates who were shortlisted and interviewed by JSC.
The additional judges raise the number of Judges of the Court of Appeal from 27 to 42. JSC had earlier said the increase is intended to strengthen the court’s capacity to address case backlogs and enhance access to justice through the timely hearing and determination of appeals.
Salary and remuneration for Court of Appeal Judges
According to the gazette notice issued by the JSC in June 2025, advertising the vacancies, Judges of the Court of Appeal are entitled to a gross monthly remuneration of between Ksh775,845 and Ksh1,187,152, excluding benefits.
Also Read: Ruto’s Lawyer Katwa Kigen Among 15 Nominees for Court of Appeal Judges
The pay is based on guidelines issued by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Judges of the Court of Appeal serve until the mandatory retirement age of 70, with an option for early retirement after attaining the age of 65, in accordance with Article 167 (1) of the Constitution.
In addition to their salaries, Court of Appeal judges are entitled to a range of benefits provided to judges under SRC guidelines.
Judges are provided with official transport, while security is offered as advised by the Inspector General of Police. They are also covered under a comprehensive medical scheme for themselves, a spouse, and up to four fully dependent children below the age of 25.
The medical cover includes inpatient benefits of up to Ksh10 million, outpatient cover of Ksh300,000, maternity cover of Ksh150,000, and Ksh75,000 each for dental and optical services.
Judges serving on permanent and pensionable terms are eligible for retirement benefits in line with existing laws. They are also covered under group life insurance and group personal accident insurance, each valued at three times their annual basic remuneration.
Other benefits include access to car loans and mortgage facilities as provided under SRC circulars issued between 2014 and 2016. Judges may also receive a special judicial duty allowance of up to Ksh150,000 per month if assigned additional responsibilities, subject to approved schedules.
Also Read: Qualifications for Supreme Court Judges, Salary, and Other Benefits
Court of Appeal judges are entitled to a non-practising allowance of Ksh13,500 per month, a daily subsistence allowance as set by SRC circulars, and official airtime at existing rates.
Qualifications for appointment
Under the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act, applicants for appointment as Judges of the Court of Appeal must hold a law degree from a recognized university, be advocates of the High Court of Kenya, or possess equivalent qualifications from a Commonwealth common-law jurisdiction.
Candidates must have at least 10 years’ experience either as a superior court judge, a distinguished legal practitioner, an academic, or in another relevant legal field, or a combination of these experiences amounting to ten years.
They must also meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, including demonstrating high moral character, integrity, impartiality, professional competence, sound judgment, good temperament, and a commitment to public and community service.
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