Chief Justice Martha Koome has strengthened the country’s judiciary by appointing a judge to handle corruption and economic crimes cases while also expanding the Court of Appeal and small claims courts across multiple counties. The moves are part of ongoing reforms to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
In a Gazette notice dated March 6, 2026, CJ Koome named Gerald Mutiso to preside over matters relating to corruption and economic crimes under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, I appoint Hon. Gerald Muuo Mutiso to preside over cases relating to corruption and economic crimes,” the notice reads.
The judge will handle such cases within his current station and any other court where he may be deployed in the future.
In a separate decision, Koome re-appointed four members of the Co-operative Tribunal: Paul Aol, Beatrice Sawe, Michael Chesikaw, and Fridah Lotuiya—for a three-year term effective February 23.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) also renewed the terms of Eunice Daristu Fedha and Nicodemus Musyoka Mbwika as members of the Public Private Partnerships Petition Committee for another three years.
Further reforms focus on improving appellate services.
The judiciary will open new Court of Appeal stations at Nkubu and Kakamega starting April 1, 2026. Additionally, a sub-registry will be set up at Embu Law Courts to make appellate services more accessible in the region.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Court of Appeal (Organisation and Administration) Act, the Chief Justice has established Meru Court of Appeal at Nkubu Law Courts with effect from 1st April 2026,” the notice states.
The judiciary is also enhancing access to small claims courts to speed up the resolution of minor civil disputes. New courts will be opened in Maua (Meru County), Mumias (Kakamega County), Molo (Nakuru County), Kapsabet (Nandi County), and Ngong (Kajiado County).
Additional courts will serve Kenol, Kiambu, Mavoko, Makueni, Kilifi, Kikuyu, Vihiga, Homa Bay, Bungoma, and Nyamira.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Small Claims Court Act, the Chief Justice has established Small Claims Courts to exercise jurisdiction in the designated counties,” the notice reads.
These developments aim to bring judicial services closer to wananchi, reduce delays, and strengthen the legal system nationwide.
