Chief Justice Martha Koome has made a major move to strengthen the country’s justice system by appointing 129 judicial officers to serve as adjudicators in small claims courts across Kenya.
In a gazette notice dated September 26, 2025, Koome confirmed that the appointments took effect from September 1 and will run for 12 months. The officers will handle cases within their current court stations as well as any new stations to which they may be deployed.
Among those designated are Manuela Kinyanjui, Mercy Nkirote Kinyua, Dennis Nguli Kioko, Jacklyne Tawai Khalimesi, Jacinta Mwangi Wangeci, Philomena Nafula Makokha, Grace Mutemi, John Ogutu Ochieng, Larry Kombe Matawi, Lucy Gitari Wanja, and Victor Shivega.
“The appointments are made under section 6(2) of the Small Claims Court Act, 2016,” Koome stated, emphasizing that the officers will act as adjudicators in any proceedings under the Act within their jurisdictions.
Small claims courts were established to make justice more accessible, offering a faster, cheaper, and less complex way of resolving civil disputes involving amounts not exceeding Ksh 1 million. In these courts, adjudicators function as judges — presiding over hearings, applying the law, and ensuring fairness in the process.
The announcement comes just days after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) promoted 117 judicial officers to various positions following interviews conducted in August. Among the promotions were nine new Chief Magistrates, 67 Senior Principal Magistrates, six Principal Magistrates, 15 Senior Principal Kadhis, and 20 Principal Kadhis.
With these back-to-back appointments and promotions, the Judiciary appears to be pushing for efficiency and reform, signaling a stronger focus on access to justice for ordinary Kenyans.
