CJ Koome Makes Fresh Appointments Affecting Select Courts

Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced new appointments within the Judiciary, naming three Resident Magistrates and Deputy Registrars in a move aimed at strengthening court operations across the country.

In a notice published in the Kenya Gazette on July 31, Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo and Aileen Ingati were appointed as Resident Magistrates and Deputy Registrars, with effect from July 1, 2026.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 172 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya, the Judicial Service Commission appoints—Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo, Aileen Ingati—to be Resident Magistrates and Deputy Registrars, with effect from the 1st July, 2026,” the notice stated.

The Judicial Service Commission issued the appointments under Gazette Notice No. 11493 on July 7, 2026, with Koome acting as its chairperson.

Judiciary Expands Roles for Newly Appointed Magistrates

In a separate notice, Koome further assigned the three magistrates responsibilities under the Law of Succession Act, enabling them to represent the High Court in succession matters within their jurisdictions.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 47 of the Law of Succession Act, the Chief Justice appoints the following magistrates— Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo, Aileen Ingati to represent the High Court in succession matters in the areas of jurisdiction of their current court stations, and future stations deployed to from time to time, with effect from the 1st July, 2026,” the notice read.

Also Read: CJ Koome Issues Fresh Directives Amid Nationwide Court Boycotts by LSK

Additionally, Koome mandated the trio to preside over children-related cases under the Children Act, 2022, expanding their duties within the Judiciary.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 90 (2) of the Children Act, 2022, the Chief Justice appoints the following Magistrates— Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo, Aileen Ingati, to preside over cases involving children in the areas of jurisdiction of their current court stations and future stations deployed to from time to time, with effect from the 1st July, 2026,” it added.

Small Claims Court Duties

In a further move, Koome designated Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo, and Aileen Ingati as adjudicators under the Small Claims Court Act, 2016, authorizing them to handle proceedings within their current and future jurisdictions.

Also Read: Judiciary Fires Back at LSK, Orders Courts to Proceed as Usual

Meanwhile, the appointments come amid mounting pressure on Martha Koome and the Judiciary following an indefinite nationwide boycott by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

At the same time, LSK maintains that the protest aims to push for reforms, arguing that governance challenges and persistent delays have eroded public confidence in the courts.

However, Koome has rejected the claims, insisting that the Judiciary remains fully operational despite the ongoing boycott.

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Chief Justice Martha Koome presents the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) recommendations to the public on July 29, 2026. PHOTO/Judiciary X