Court of Appeal reorganizes benches after recruitment of 15 new judges

The Judiciary has announced a comprehensive reorganization of the Court of Appeal benches following the recent recruitment of 15 new judges to the appellate court.

In a deployment schedule released on Friday, February 13, 2026, the judges have been strategically distributed across six court stations in Nairobi and seven regional hearing centers across the country.

The new arrangement is effective for February 2026 and marks a significant expansion in the court's capacity to handle appeals.

Justice Musinga, who serves as the President of the Court of Appeal, will lead Court 1 in Nairobi alongside Justices M'Inoti, Dr. Laibuta, and Lilan.

The Nairobi station will operate six courts simultaneously, with Court 2 comprising Justices Karanja, Omondi, Muchelule, and Lucy Njuguna, while Court 3 will be manned by Justices Warsame, Kimaru, Okello, and Sila.

Court 4 in Nairobi will have Justices Makhandia, Sichale, Lesiit, and Nderi presiding, while Court 5 will be headed by Justices Kiage, J. Mohammed, Kantai, and Okiyo. The sixth Nairobi bench, Court 6, will be composed of Justices Murgor, Aroni, Prof. Ngugi, and Ngetieh.

Beyond the capital, the Court of Appeal will maintain a robust presence in regional centers. The Meru station will be served by Justices Gatembu and Odunga, while the Nyeri bench will comprise Justices Ong'udi and Mumbi Ngugi. In Nyeri, Justices Achode and Katwa Kigen will also be stationed.

The coastal region's Mombasa station will see Justices Tuiyott, Ngenye, and Okongo handling appeals from the area.

Western Kenya's Kisumu bench will be staffed by Justices Nyamweya, Ongaya, and Mwita, while the Rift Valley's Nakuru station will have Justices Mativo, Kairaria, and Hassan presiding over cases.

The North Rift region's Eldoret station will be served by Justices Gachoka, Korir, and Ndolo, ensuring that appellants across the country have improved access to justice without necessarily having to travel to Nairobi.