High Court Announces 46-Day Recess, Urgent Cases To Continue
Principal High Court Judge Eric Ogola has declared that High Court judges would begin a 46-day recess on August 1, 2026.
“The August Recess of the High Court and Courts of Equal Status shall commence on August 1, 2026 and terminate on September 15, 2026, both days inclusive,” Ogola stated in a notice published in the Kenya Gazette dated June 19.
According to the judiciary, plans have been made to guarantee that urgent cases are heard throughout the yearly break.
Nonetheless, duty judges will be assigned to address urgent court requests throughout the recess.
Duty judges for respective jurisdictions shall be appointed by presiding judges at High Court stations and divisions.
The High Court will begin a 46-day recess from August 1 to September 15, 2026, Principal Judge Eric Ogola has announced.
Despite the break, all 47 High Court stations and six sub-registries will remain open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to handle urgent filings, ensuring… pic.twitter.com/ENWhypCTp1— Hivileo.co.ke (@hivileo1) June 20, 2026
Similar appointments will be made in the meantime by the Presiding Judge of the Environment and Land Court and the Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court.
“In court stations with a single Judge, the matters emanating therefrom will be handled in the nearest High Court station where a Recess Duty Judge is sitting, which shall be indicated on the Station’s Notice Board by the Presiding Judge of such single Judge Station,” Ogola directed.
During the recess period, all 47 High Court stations and six sub-registries will remain open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays to facilitate urgent filings.
The Judiciary said the measures are aimed at maintaining access to justice for time-sensitive cases.
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Beyond the recess arrangements, several high-profile constitutional petitions are pending before the courts, filed by civil society groups, state watchdogs and public interest litigants.
Foremost among them is a petition by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) challenging key revenue provisions in the Finance Bill 2026.
COFEK claims that the rapid push for consumer taxes lacks proper public dialogue and harms vulnerable traders.
High Court Judge David Mburu certified the matter as urgent, directing the state to file responses ahead of a mention scheduled for June 25, 2026.
The court is also reviewing the operational framework of the National Infrastructure Fund Act alongside state divestiture policies.
Consolidated petitions seeking to halt privatisation of strategic assets, including the Kenya Pipeline Company, are also pending, with rulings expected between August and October 2026.
High Court Announces 46-Day Recess, Urgent Cases To Continue
