Remarks · 4 May 2026
The Honourable Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, Judges of the Superior Courts, Members of the Judicial Service Commission, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and a privilege to preside over this solemn and significant occasion, marking the swearing-in of Judges of the High Court, the Environment and Land Court, and the COMESA Court of Justice.
This ceremony reaffirms our national commitment to the rule of law, the fair administration of justice, and the enduring promise of our Constitution to every citizen.
In recent years, we have made deliberate progress in strengthening the Judiciary. In 2022, 26 judges were appointed across the superior courts. In 2024, a further 20 joined the High Court. In January this year, we swore in 15 judges of the Court of Appeal.
Today’s ceremony marks the largest intake yet with 24 judges of the High Court, 13 of the Environment and Land Court and 12 of the COMESA Court of Justice.
I extend my congratulations to each of the judges taking the oath today. Your appointment is both a great honour and a weighty responsibility, and a solemn commitment before God to serve His people with integrity, diligence, and humility.
You assume this office not only as jurists, but as custodians of hope for many who may never appear before you, yet whose lives will be shaped by the decisions you make.
The government attaches great importance to the role of the Judiciary in nation-building. Guided by our Constitution, which guarantees access to justice for all, we view justice not as an abstract ideal, but as a practical instrument for advancing social justice, strengthening governance, and improving the lives of our citizens.
Consequently, we are guided by the aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030, which places the rule of law and access to justice at the centre of our economic, social, and political transformation.
We are equally cognisant of the Judiciary’s transformation agenda, particularly its emphasis on Social Transformation through Access to Justice. This vision reinforces the Judiciary’s role as a key pillar in delivering inclusive development and sustaining public confidence in our institutions.
In line with this commitment, the government has continued to invest in the Judiciary through enhanced human resource capacity and sustained budgetary support. The judges sworn in today are part of that deliberate effort.
As capacity expands, the expectation is clear: Justice should be timely, efficient, and meaningful in the lives of the people. The true measure of our justice system is whether the ordinary citizen experiences fairness, timeliness, and dignity.
Judges wield immense power over liberty, property, and the administration of justice. With such authority must come clear and measurable standards of professional excellence. Judicial independence is indispensable, but it must safeguard the integrity of decision-making, not shield poor performance.
Independence protects judgment and accountability ensures professional standards are upheld.
In regard to the COMESA Court of Justice, 5 judges of the Appellate Division and 7 of the First Instance Division have been sworn in. I therefore discharge this responsibility as Chairperson of COMESA, a task that has been entrusted to me by my brothers, the COMESA Authority of Heads of State and Government.
This task bears witness to our efforts to fortify the operations of the judicial arm of the Common Market. The COMESA Court of Justice is an important organ of the Common Market tasked with the responsibility of interpreting the COMESA Treaty.
To the judges taking oath today, the responsibility before you is immense. Each case file represents more than a dispute; it carries with its livelihoods, investments, and the hopes of individuals and communities.
Your decisions will shape lives and influence the broader trajectory of our society. It is therefore essential to weigh these considerations carefully so that justice is not only legally sound, but also socially responsive and impactful.
As we expand judicial capacity, we must also reaffirm our commitment to integrity, both as individuals and as institutions of service. Integrity remains the foundation of public trust. It calls for visible leadership, consistent accountability, and firm action against corruption at every level.
By doing what is right, consistently and without compromise, we protect our nation and strengthen the values that define us.
This expanded capacity places a clear responsibility on the institution to deliver results. We look ahead to the next State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report with keen interest to see decisive progress in reducing the backlog of cases.
This calls for innovation, including the effective use of technology and new ways of working, to ensure that justice is delivered without delay. With the men and women sworn in today, that progress is well within reach.
Once again, congratulations. I wish you success as you undertake this noble duty. I thank you. ###