The High Court of Kenya has ordered the government to pay Sh102.5 million in compensation to 41 judges who were subjected to what the court described as an unconstitutional delay in their appointment. The court held that the affected judges were left in a state of uncertainty that caused professional, reputational and psychological harm. As a remedy, the court ordered the State to pay a total of Sh102.5 million in general damages, awarding Sh2.5 million to each of the 41 judges. He described the compensation as vindicatory, aimed at affirming the importance of constitutional rights and deterring future violations, rather than punishing the state. However, the court declined to award exemplary or punitive damages, finding that constitutional compensation is not meant to be penal in nature.

Source: The Star February 19, 2026 17:19 UTC