Nairobi, Kenya – The Supreme Court of Kenya will take its annual August recess beginning Friday, August 1 to Monday, September 15, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced.
According to a gazette notice dated July 8, the six-week recess—both days inclusive—is in line with the provisions of the Constitution, the Supreme Court Act, and the Supreme Court Rules, 2020.
“This recess forms part of the Judiciary’s official calendar, providing judges with time for rest, preparation of judgments, and other internal court functions,” said CJ Koome, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Court.
Despite the recess, the court will not completely shut down. A duty judge will be designated to handle urgent mattersthat may arise during the break. The court’s Registry will also remain open to the public on weekdays, except during public holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The recess allows Kenya’s top court to maintain a balance between managing its judicial workload and ensuring continuity of critical services, particularly for urgent constitutional or electoral matters.
As the apex court, the Supreme Court plays a central role in interpreting the Constitution and safeguarding its supremacy. It handles appeals from the Court of Appeal, especially in cases involving constitutional questions or those deemed to be of general public importance.
The court also has exclusive original jurisdiction to hear presidential election disputes, and may issue advisory opinions on constitutional matters upon request by the national government, state organs, or county governments.
While the court’s decisions are final and binding, it has the discretion to review its rulings under exceptional circumstances such as fraud, misrepresentation, or if the court lacked jurisdiction at the time of the original decision.
Written by Were Kelly
