Belinda Akoth Among 37 Nominated for Judge Positions [LIST]

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 37 candidates for appointment as judges to the High Court and the Environment and Land Court (ELC).

Among those nominated is Kenyan legal expert Belinda Akoth Akello, one of 13 nominees selected for appointment as Judges of the Environment and Land Court.

The Commission also nominated 24 judges for the High Court, following interviews conducted between March and April 2026.

The nominations follow JSC’s conclusion of selection interviews for the appointment of Judges to the High Court on March 5, 2026, and to the Environment and Land Court on April 9, 2026.

According to the commission, these processes were rigorous, transparent, and competitive.

Belinda Akoth Akello was praised for her eloquence and mastery of legal matters during the interviews.

Lawyers and Kenyans in general vouched for her after the interviews, with practitioners marveling at her ability to express herself in both English and Swahili before the JSC selection pane. 

Belinda is a High Court advocate, chartered arbitrator, certified mediator, and certified secretary.

Born and raised in Siaya County, she holds two Bachelor’s degrees: a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in Law from the University of Nairobi (2002 to 2006), and  Bachelor’s in International Business Administration (Finance) from United States International University Africa between 2001 and 2005.

Once appointed, Belinda will continue her career in the Judiciary as a Judge of the Environment Court. 

JSC Nominates 37 Judges for the High Court and the Environment and Land Court

JSC had advertised vacancies on June 9, 2025, for 15 Judges of the Court of Appeal, 20 Judges of the High Court, and 10 Judges of the Environment and Land Court.

The exercise attracted 95 applications to the Court of Appeal, 377 to the High Court, and 243 to the ELC.

Following the earlier appointment of Court of Appeal judges, the President appointed 15 nominees on January 28, 2026. Subsequent elevations and a retirement within the ELC created additional vacancies.

To address the gaps, the JSC invoked Rule 20(2) of the First Schedule to the Judicial Service Act, allowing it to adjust the number of positions to avoid delays and additional recruitment costs.

“This decision was guided by the High Court’s judgment in Petition E377 of 2022, Okoiti v Judicial Service Commission & another; Kiprotich & 6 others, which affirmed that the Commission may exercise its discretion to fill additional vacancies arising during an ongoing recruitment process, provided such action is reasonable, transparent, and promotes access to justice,” JSC said.

Accordingly, the Commission increased the number of positions to be filled from twenty (20) to twenty-four (24) for the High Court, and from ten (10) to thirteen (13) for the Environment and Land Court.

The Commission said that, pursuant to Article 166(1)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, it is in the process of transmitting the names of the nominees to President William Ruto for appointment.

Upon appointment, the number of Judges in the High Court will increase from ninety-one (91) to one hundred and fifteen (115), while those in the Environment and Land Court will rise from forty-eight (48) to sixty-one (61).

Also Read: Belinda Akoth Akello: Trailblazing Legal Expert Eyeing the Judge Seat at Kenya’s Environment and Land Court

JSC Nominees for the High Court

1. Robinson Ondieki Kebabe
2. Roseline Akinyi Oganyo
3. Paul Kipkosgei Rotich
4. Joyce Mkambe Gandani
5. Joseph Maloba Were
6. Dickson Odhiambo Onyango
7. Alex Kimanzi Ithuku
8. Martha Wanzila Mutuku
9. Benard Wafula Murunga
10. Francis Nyungu Kyambia
11. Letizia Muthoni Wachira Rwiga
12. Kennedy Lenkamai Kandet
13. Richard Kipkemoi Koech
14. Emmanuel Omondi Bitta
15. David Wanjohi Mburu
16. Dominic Kipkemoi Rono
17. Winnie Narasha Molonko
18. Judith Chelangat Mutai
19. Joseph Kipkoech Biomdo
20. Anne Mary Auma Okutoyi
21. Abdi Mohamud Hassan
22. Nabil Mokaya Orina
23. Patricia Naeku Leparashao
24. Catherine Akaigwa Kassim

Also Read: JSC Announces 101 Job Vacancies with Salary of Up to Ksh 344,688 Per Month

JSC Nominees for the Environment and Land Court 

1. John Walter Wanyonyi
2. Jecinta Atieno Orwa
3. Peter Muneeno Musyimi
4. Cyprian Mugambi Nguthari
5. Charity Chebii Oluoch
6. Gerhard Gitonga Muchege
7. Charles Nchore Ondieki
8. Robert Omondi Owino
9. Lillian Tsuma Lewa
10. Belinda Akoth Akello
11. Ben Mark Ekhubi
12. Josphat Ngeria Kuyioni
13. Elena Gathoni Nderitu