JSC’s promotions of 117 officers expected to improve access to justice in Kenya
According to the JSC, the promotions recognise individual excellence while advancing the commission’s broader goal of strengthening judicial service delivery.
Over 100 judicial officers have been promoted following interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in August 2025, in what officials describe as a boost to the country’s judicial capacity.
In a statement on Thursday, the commission said the promotions, which took immediate effect, are intended to strengthen service delivery and expand access to justice across the courts.
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The JSC confirmed that 117 judicial officers were elevated after interviews held between August 4 and 13, 2025. According to the Commission’s Secretary, Winfridah Mokaya, the promotions were ratified during meetings on September 11 and September 15 and are now in force.
“These advancements reflect the Commission’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law, improving access to justice and service, with integrity and excellence while being accountable to the people of Kenya,” the statement read.
Among those promoted, nine officers rose to the rank of chief magistrate. They are Kimilu Esther Kalunde, Rotich Paul Kipkosgei, Macharia James Muriuki, Wambilyanga Joane Namrome, Kituku Justus Mulei, Ireri Benson Nyaga, Ooko Peter Oduor, Magori Jared Ogoti, and Kayila Dolphina Atieno Alego.
Another 67 officers were elevated to Senior Principal Magistrate, while six advanced to Principal Magistrate. Those in this group include Masiga James, Lewa Lilian, Kesse Cheronoh, Agonda Adhiambo, Opande Aswani, Ondieki Nchore, and Onjoro Khachuenu.
Additionally, 15 officers were promoted to senior principal kadhi. They include Hussein Ishaq Abdjuljabar, Mwaito Salim Juma, Otundo Rashid Kokonya, Ali Swaleh Mohamed, Isaack Hassan Mohamednoor, Mohamed Abdiazia Maalim, Salim Abdullah Mwidadi, Malampu Abdilatif Silau, Ramadhani Khamis, Tullu Adan Ibrahim, Salat Muktar Billow, Wako Ali Dida, Galgalo Adan, Vumbi Salim Habib, and Muhammed Shaban Issa.
A further 20 officers advanced to principal kadhi. This list features Ahmed Isaack Maalim, Opacha Jamal Imodoi, Hassan Mohamed Hussein, Wendo Shaban Wendo, Mwambele Mohamed Suleiman, Gavava Awadh Mohamed, Randu Mohamed Garama, Muriuki Nicholas Muriithi, Swaleh Mahdi Omar Khamis, and Dogo Sheikh Dabasoo.
Others are Muhiyidin Sambul Mohamed, Daffa Hassan Omar, Shunu Mustafa Guyo, Wehliye Mohammed Sheikh, Idris Nyamagosa Nyaboga, Mohamed Mahamud Ibrahim, Fahad Ismael Mohamed, Muhumed Kule Mohamed, Karanja Thulkif Waweru, and Dadacha Ali Ibrahim.
According to the JSC, the promotions recognise individual excellence while advancing the commission’s broader goal of strengthening judicial service delivery.
The statement added that the changes will expand the officers’ territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction, enabling them to handle more complex and higher-value cases, ultimately improving efficiency and access to justice for Kenyans.
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