High Court Sets December Recess Dates, Issues Directions on Cases

The High Court of Kenya and courts of equal status will begin their 2026 Christmas recess on December 21, 2026.

In a Gazette Notice shared on Tuesday, October 13, High Court Principal Judge Justice Eric Ogola said the recess will end on January 13, 2027.

"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 read.

Despite the recess, Ogola said the courts will continue handling urgent matters through designated Recess Duty Judges appointed to deal with cases arising during the period.

The Principal Judge clarified that the appointments would follow the applicable High Court Practice and Procedure Rules to ensure matters requiring judicial attention are addressed during the break.

"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.

The notice outlined how the judges responsible for appointing Recess Duty Judges would be identified across different courts and stations.

For High Court stations and divisions, the appointments will be made by the Presiding Judges at the respective stations and divisions. 

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 handle the same responsibility for that court.

In stations with a single 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 the single-judge station will indicate the designated station on its notice board to guide members of the public seeking judicial services.

Ogola further directed that court offices and registries would remain accessible to the public during the recess, with services available 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 further read.

Elsewhere, this comes weeks after Chief Justice Martha Koome was named the inaugural international recipient of the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence.

In a statement on Thursday, September 17, the Judiciary said the award recognised Koome’s efforts to promote a justice system that was accessible, people-centred and grounded in dignity and hope.

"We proudly celebrate Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome on receiving the inaugural Sejong Award for Legal Excellence, a fitting recognition of her leadership in advancing the rule of law and making justice accessible, people-centred and rooted in dignity and hope," the statement read.

According to the Judiciary, the award was jointly presented by Korea’s Supreme Court and the World Bank Group, with the Judiciary saying it honours achievements in the areas of rule of law, access to justice and judicial cooperation.

"Jointly presented by Korea’s Supreme Court and World Bank Group, the Award honours rule of law, access to justice and judicial cooperation. 

"Her selection as its inaugural international recipient places Kenya at the foundation of a global tradition in judicial excellence," the statement added.

Koome received the award in recognition of both her leadership and the collective contribution of Kenya’s Judges, Judicial Officers and Judiciary staff in serving the public.

The Judiciary said the recognition reflected their shared conviction that the law achieves its highest purpose when it directly improves people’s lives through justice, dignity and hope.