Chief Justice Martha Koome has gazetted the appointment of more than 200 magistrates across Kenya to preside over specialized cases, marking a major step in judicial reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and access to justice.
The appointments, published in Gazette Notices dated October 10 and 19, 2025, designate magistrates to handle cases involving corruption, economic crimes, environment and land disputes, and employment and labour relations.
Six magistrates Maureen Iberia, Victoria Achieng Ochanda, Janette Wandia Nyamu, Wilson Kipchumba Kitur, Christabel Irene Agutu, and Japheth Cheruiyot Bii were appointed to oversee anti-corruption and economic crimes cases. They will preside over such matters within their current court stations and future postings.
In a separate notice, 58 magistrates were designated to hear environment and land-related disputes, including cases of ownership, boundaries, and land use. Among those appointed are Kemei Silas Kandie, Akida Kassim, Elizabeth Khanali, Mwera Atamba Lynn, and Ng’ang’a Catherine Wanjiru. The move seeks to address the backlog of land cases, which remains one of the most litigated areas in the country.
The largest group 144 magistrates will now handle employment and labour relations matters, specifically disputes involving employees earning a gross monthly salary of up to KSh 80,000. They will also preside over offences arising from key labour laws, including the Employment Act (2007) and Work Injury Benefits Act (2007).
CJ Koome noted that the appointments align with relevant laws, including the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (2003) and the Employment and Labour Relations Court Act (2011). She emphasized that the move aims to streamline case management and ensure that specialized matters are handled by judicial officers with the right expertise.
The appointments are expected to reduce case backlogs, decentralize access to justice, and improve service delivery, reinforcing the Judiciary’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and fairness across all court levels.
