Chief Justice Martha Koome has appointed 129 judicial officers to serve as adjudicators in small claims courts across Kenya, in a move aimed at strengthening access to justice and expediting the resolution of minor civil disputes.
In a gazette notice dated September 26, 2025, CJ Koome said the officers will preside over cases within their current court stations and in any future stations where they may be deployed. Their appointment, effective September 1, will run for a 12-month term.
Among those appointed 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.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6(2) of the Small Claims Court Act, 2016, I designate the following Judicial Officers as Adjudicators in any proceedings under the Act, in the areas of jurisdiction of their current court stations and future stations deployed from time to time, for a period of twelve (12) months, with effect from the 1st September, 2025,” the notice read in part.
Small claims courts were established to provide fast, affordable, and simple mechanisms for resolving civil disputes involving claims not exceeding Ksh1 million. Adjudicators serve as judges in these courts, tasked with maintaining court order, applying the law fairly, and safeguarding judicial independence.
The announcement comes just a week after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) confirmed the promotion of 117 judicial officers across different ranks. According to JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, the promotions followed interviews conducted in August and were ratified by the Commission in September.
The dual announcements signal the Judiciary’s broader commitment to strengthening service delivery, addressing case backlogs, and reinforcing public confidence in Kenya’s justice system.
