Katwa Kigen Sent to Nyeri as CJ Koome Deploys Newly Recruited Court of Appeal Judges [LIST]

Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a major reorganization within the Court of Appeal, deploying newly recruited judges to stations across the country to speed up the handling of appeals and improve access to justice.

The move follows the recent swearing-in of 15 new appellate judges, bringing the Court of Appeal to 42 judges he highest number in Kenya’s history.

According to a statement from the Judiciary on Saturday, February 14, the fresh deployment is designed to strengthen regional courts that have long struggled with backlogs and limited manpower, while reducing the heavy burden on Nairobi, the busiest appellate station.

New Judges Sent to Key Regional Stations

Among the newly deployed judges is Justice Issack Hassan, the former Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), who has been posted to the Nakuru Court of Appeal. His posting is expected to strengthen a station serving the wider Rift Valley region, which has seen a steady increase in appeals.

In Nyeri, newly sworn-in Justice Katwa Kigen has been assigned to the regional appellate bench that handles matters from Nyeri, Embu, Laikipia, and surrounding counties. His deployment brings additional capacity to the Mount Kenya region.

In Kisumu, the Judiciary has posted Justice Chacha Mwita, who will help manage the growing backlog of cases from Kisii, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Vihiga, and other neighbouring counties.

Back in Nairobi, Justice Nduma Nderi has been placed in Court 4, joining the country’s largest appellate station, which operates six Court of Appeal courts and hears most appeal cases filed nationwide.

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Full Court of Appeal Deployment

The updated February 2026 bench list confirms that all regional stations now have fully constituted three‑judge benches. Meru will be served by Justices Gatembu, Odunga, and Ong’udi, while the Nyeri Court of Appeal will operate with Justices Mumbi Ngugi, Achode, and Katwa Kigen.

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In Mombasa, Justices Tuiyott, Ngenye, and Okongo make up the regional bench, as Kisumu takes on Justices Nyamweya, Ongaya, and Chacha Mwita.

The Nakuru station is now staffed by Justices Mativo, Kairaria, and Hassan, while Eldoret will be served by Justices Gachoka, Korir, and Ndolo. Nairobi remains the headquarters of the Court of Appeal and continues to run six full benches.

Judiciary Targeting Faster and Fairer Access to Justice

The Judiciary says the deployment marks an important milestone in its efforts to reduce waiting times for appeal hearings, clear longstanding backlogs, and bring justice closer to Kenyans across the country.

With every regional station now fully staffed and the appellate bench larger than ever before, the Judiciary expects to expedite the handling of appeals and ease the pressure on courts that have historically been overwhelmed.

More staff movements and additional deployments are expected as the Judiciary continues to strengthen both the Court of Appeal and the High Court to meet the growing demands of Kenya’s justice system.

How Court of Appeal Judges Are Appointed

Court of Appeal judges go through a rigorous and highly transparent selection process before taking office. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) first advertises vacancies, publicly invites applications, conducts shortlisting, and allows members of the public to submit information about the applicants.

Candidates then undergo open, televised interviews where their experience, integrity, legal knowledge, temperament, and communication skills are assessed.

Once the JSC selects the final list, the names are forwarded to the President, who formally appoints them through a gazette notice. The judges are then sworn in before beginning their duties.

This process is required by the Constitution and the Judicial Service Act and is intended to ensure judicial appointments are open, fair, and trustworthy.

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