President William Ruto has urged the 15 newly sworn in Court of Appeal judges to serve with a strong sense of responsibility, saying their roles carry major national importance.
Speaking during the swearing-in, the head of State said their appointment comes with “immense responsibility and profound national consequence.”
Ruto described the Court of Appeal as a critical institution whose credibility and independence are key to Kenya’s stability and democratic growth.
He noted that the court has strengthened its capacity in recent years through a structured appointment process aimed at expanding access to justice, improving efficiency, and ensuring adequate resourcing.
The President said the latest appointments are meant to address a growing case backlog, revealing that as of December 2025, the Court of Appeal had 14,300 pending cases and a case clearance rate of 68 per cent.
The 15 new judges, he added, represent one of the biggest reinforcements of the court in recent history and are expected to help reduce delays, improve resolution times, and boost public confidence in the judiciary.
Ruto said since 2022, he has appointed 11 judges, including four immediately after taking office, and that the new appointments form part of broader efforts to expand judicial capacity.
He announced that by March this year, 60 new High Court judges will have joined through staggered appointments, while 168 resident magistrates have also been recruited to support lower courts.
“These appointments are enhancing judicial capacity where it is most needed, and easing pressure across the judicial system,” he said.
The president also highlighted government support to the judiciary, noting that its budget increased from Sh18.8 billion in 2023/2024 to Sh26.9 billion in the current financial year.
He further updated the judges on the retirement benefits bill, which seeks to provide pensions, medical cover and other protections.
“Once enacted, this legislation will safeguard judicial independence and ensure dignified and secure retirement,” he said.
Ruto acknowledged that disagreements sometimes arise between the executive and the judiciary but maintained that questioning court decisions is part of accountability, not disrespect.
He said the government has continued to respect court rulings and remains guided by the rule of law.
The president congratulated the new judges and urged them to uphold justice, saying their work is vital to Kenya’s democratic health.
