History of Supreme Court
From colonial judiciary to Africa's most respected apex court
Justice is the foundation upon which the social contract between the State and its citizens rests. The Supreme Court stands as guardian of that contract.
A Journey Through Time
Key milestones that have shaped Kenya's apex court from colonial origins to constitutional guardian.
East Africa Court of Appeal
The East Africa Court of Appeal was established under the East Africa Order in Council of 1897, providing appellate jurisdiction across the British East Africa Protectorate. This court laid the early foundations of a structured judiciary in the region.
Kenyan Independence & New Judiciary
Kenya attained independence on 12 December 1963. The independence constitution established a new judicial system. The East African Court of Appeal continued to serve as the highest court of appeal for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Dissolution of the East African Community
The East African Community collapsed in 1977, leading to the dissolution of the East African Court of Appeal. Kenya subsequently established its own Court of Appeal as the apex court, which served as the highest judicial authority for over three decades.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010
Kenya's landmark Constitution of Kenya 2010, promulgated on 27 August 2010, established the Supreme Court under Article 163 as the apex court of the Republic. This was a transformative moment that restructured the entire Kenyan judiciary and elevated judicial independence to constitutional status.
Inaugural Sitting of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of Kenya held its historic inaugural sitting on 20 May 2011 under the leadership of Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga. The court was formally constituted with seven justices and began receiving cases under its original, appellate and advisory jurisdiction.
First Presidential Election Petition
The Supreme Court determined its first presidential election petition — Raila Amolo Odinga & Another v Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission & 2 Others — arising from the March 2013 general elections. The court upheld the election of President Uhuru Kenyatta, establishing landmark jurisprudence on electoral law.
Nullification of the Presidential Election
In a landmark and internationally acclaimed decision, the Supreme Court (Raila Odinga v IEBC) nullified the August 2017 presidential election results, making Kenya one of the first countries in Africa where a sitting president's election was annulled. The ruling reinforced the rule of law and judicial independence.
Affirming Democratic Governance
The Supreme Court continued its legacy of anchoring constitutional governance, determining the presidential election petition arising from the August 2022 general elections. The court unanimously dismissed the petition challenging the election of President William Ruto, upholding democratic principles.
Chief Justices of the Supreme Court
The leaders who have presided over the Supreme Court since its establishment in 2011.
Dr. Willy Mutunga
2011 – 2016
Inaugural Chief Justice under the 2010 Constitution
David Kenani Maraga
2016 – 2021
Led the landmark 2017 presidential election nullification
Martha Koome
2021 – 2024
First female Chief Justice of Kenya
The Court Building
Explore the history and architecture of the iconic Supreme Court of Kenya building — a symbol of justice and constitutional governance.
