The Supreme Court of Kenya has announced its Easter break for 2026, which will run from Thursday, March 26, to Wednesday, April 8, 2026, both days inclusive.
In a gazette notice dated March 17, Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that during this period, a duty judge will be available to handle urgent matters.
“PURSUANT to Article 163 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 6A and 29D of the Supreme Court Act, 2011 and Rules 4, 5 and 7 of the Supreme Court Rules 2020; the Chief Justice gives notice as follows: The Supreme Court Easter recess will commence on Thursday, 26th March 2026, and terminate on Wednesday, 8th April 2026, both days inclusive,” read part of the notice.
She stressed that the Supreme Court Registry will remain open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.
Supreme Court Activities Likely to be Affected During Easter Recess
As the highest court in Kenya, the Supreme Court handles a wide range of critical functions.
During the Easter recess, the following activities will be temporarily paused:
- Exclusively hear and determine disputes relating to Presidential elections.
- Hear and determine appeals from the Court of Appeal, including: Appeals as of right where the case involves the interpretation or application of the Constitution, and Cases where the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal certifies that a matter of public importance is involved.
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- Hear and determine appeals from any other court or tribunal, as prescribed by national legislation.
- Render advisory opinions at the request of the National Government, any State organ, or any County Government.
- Hear and determine the validity of a state of emergency, specifically regarding the declaration of a state of emergency, any extension of such a declaration, or Legislation or action enacted in consequence of a declaration of a state of emergency.
- To hear and determine appeals against a tribunal’s recommendation for the removal of a Judge.
The Establishment of the Supreme Court of Kenya
The Constitution of Kenya, promulgated on August 27, 2010, established the Supreme Court as the highest court in the country.
Its creation followed the work of the Kriegler Commission, which was set up to investigate the unprecedented electoral violence and allegations of electoral irregularities in the 2007 elections.
The commission concluded that there were legitimate concerns regarding the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary that needed to be addressed.
Additionally, many Kenyans had expressed a lack of confidence in the processes that arbitrated election outcomes, raising serious allegations against the Judiciary, including inefficiency, incompetence, and corruption.
Concerns were also raised about the generally restrictive approach to constitutional interpretation adopted by the High Court, particularly in human rights cases.
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As a result, there was a strong public view that a Supreme Court should be created with the power to issue Advisory Opinions and act as the final arbiter in matters of constitutional interpretation.
Supported by a national referendum, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 established the Court with exclusive original jurisdiction over presidential election petitions.
In December 2024, the High Court marked 12 years since its operationalization.
The Court is composed of the Chief Justice, who serves as President of the Court; the Deputy Chief Justice; and five other Justices of the Supreme Court.
