Justice Monica Mbaru Takes Oath as ELRC Principal Judge

On March 27, 2026, Lady Justice Monica Wanjiru Mbaru officially took the oath as the 4th Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC).

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the ceremony at the Supreme Court of Kenya. Meanwhile, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya administered the oath, marking a key leadership transition in the judiciary.

Election and Leadership Transition

Justice Mbaru secured the position unopposed after her ELRC peers elected her on March 5, 2026. She now succeeds Justice Byram Ongaya, who recently joined the Court of Appeal. The role carries a renewable five-year term.

Previously, she led the ELRC in Mombasa as Presiding Judge. Therefore, she steps into this role with proven leadership and continuity in focus.

Proven Judicial Experience

Justice Mbaru brings over a decade of hands-on judicial experience to the position. She joined the bench in July 2012 as a Judge of the Industrial Court, now known as the ELRC.

Since then, she has handled complex labour and employment disputes across the country. In addition, she improved case management systems in Mombasa and accelerated dispute resolution.

As a result, stakeholders widely recognize her efficiency and firm grasp of labour law.

READ ALSO: IPOA Chairman Isaac Hassan Resigns After Court Appointment

Strong Academic and Advocacy Foundation

Justice Mbaru earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and later obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Pretoria. Before joining the judiciary, she actively defended human rights and labour justice.

Notably, she worked with the International Commission of Jurists (Kenya Chapter) and Kituo Cha Sheria. Through this work, she built a strong reputation as a committed advocate for social justice.

A New Chapter for the ELRC

Justice Mbaru now leads the ELRC at a critical time for labour relations in Kenya. She aims to expand access to justice for both workers and employers.

Additionally, she plans to strengthen efficiency, fairness, and accountability in the court system. Ultimately, her leadership signals progress in protecting labour rights and improving judicial service delivery nationwide.