NAIROBI, Kenya – The Supreme Court of Kenya will begin its annual August recess from Friday, August 1, to Monday, September 15, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced.
In a gazette notice dated July 8, CJ Koome said the six-week recess aligns with the Constitution, the Supreme Court Act, and the Supreme Court Rules, 2020.
Despite the break, the court will not shut down entirely. A duty judge will be assigned to handle urgent matters during the recess period, ensuring continuity in addressing pressing legal issues.
Additionally, the Supreme Court Registry will remain open to the public on weekdays—except on public holidays—from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The recess is part of the Judiciary’s calendar and provides Supreme Court judges with time to rest, write judgments, and attend to internal judicial matters away from the courtroom.
“The court’s recess ensures that while judicial operations are scaled down, access to justice in urgent matters is preserved,” said Koome, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Court.
As Kenya’s apex court, the Supreme Court plays a critical role in interpreting the Constitution and resolving high-stakes disputes, including presidential election petitions.
It also hears appeals from the Court of Appeal that involve constitutional interpretation or are deemed to be of general public importance.
The court may also offer advisory opinions on constitutional matters when requested by the national government, a state organ, or a county government. Its rulings are final and binding on all other courts in the country.
However, in rare cases—such as where a decision was obtained through fraud or where the court lacked jurisdiction—the Supreme Court can review its own rulings.
The recess will resume normal sessions on September 16, 2025.
