Kenyan President Affirms Commitment to Judicial Independence

President William Ruto has pledged to respect the rulings of Kenya’s courts, despite previously raising concerns about some judicial decisions. He made the commitment during the swearing-in ceremony for 15 new Court of Appeal judges at State House on Wednesday. Ruto emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary.

Ruto stated that his concerns regarding judicial decisions stem from a desire to honestly address the impact those decisions have on the lives and livelihoods of Kenyan citizens, not from disregard or contempt for the courts.

New Judges and Case Backlogs

The newly appointed judges are expected to contribute to reducing the Court of Appeal’s case backlog, improving dispute resolution timelines, and bolstering public confidence in the justice system. As of December 2025, the Court of Appeal was managing 14,300 pending cases, with a case clearance rate of 68%.

The Rule of Law

Ruto underscored the significance of the rule of law, asserting that it is essential for the stability and endurance of any policy, program, government, or country.

Judges Previously Sidelined

Among the 15 appointed judges are six individuals previously overlooked by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto explained that there was no justification for not appointing them, as recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) six years prior. Kenyatta had previously withheld their appointments citing adverse reports from the intelligence service.

Public Trust in the Courts

Despite a positive international reputation for the Kenyan judiciary and judicial reforms, public trust in the courts remains low, according to a report by Gabrielle Lynch for Capital FM.