NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court of Kenya and courts of equal status will begin their 2026 Christmas recess on December 21, with the break scheduled to end on January 13, 2027.
In a Gazette Notice shared on Tuesday, October 13, High Court Principal Judge Justice Eric Ogola announced the dates and outlined arrangements for handling urgent cases during the recess.
“The Christmas Recess of the High Court and Courts of Equal Status shall commence on the 21st December, 2026 and terminate on the 13th January, 2027, both days inclusive,” the notice stated.
Despite the break, the courts will continue to handle urgent matters through designated Recess Duty Judges appointed to deal with cases arising during the period.
Ogola said the appointments would be made in accordance with the applicable High Court Practice and Procedure Rules.
“For avoidance of doubt, Recess Duty Judges shall be appointed to hear and try matters arising during Recess in accordance with the High Court (Practice and Procedure) Rules,” the notice added.
How Recess Duty Judges Will Be Appointed
The notice outlined the officials responsible for appointing Recess Duty Judges across different courts and stations.
At High Court stations and divisions, the appointments will be made by the respective Presiding Judges.
In the Employment and Labour Relations Court, the Principal Judge of that court will oversee the appointments, while the Principal Judge of the Environment and Land Court will be responsible for the same process in that court.
For stations with only one judge, cases arising during the recess will be handled at the nearest High Court station where a Recess Duty Judge is sitting.
The Presiding Judge of each single-judge station will be required to display a notice identifying the designated station to guide members of the public seeking judicial services.
Court Registries To Remain Open During Recess
Ogola also directed that court offices and registries remain accessible to the public throughout the recess.
According to the notice, the offices will operate from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, except public holidays.
“During the Recess the offices of the aforesaid Courts, including Registries, shall be open to the public from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on all weekdays other than the public Holidays,” the notice stated.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that urgent cases can still receive judicial attention and members of the public can access essential court registry services during the Christmas break.
