Details of Supreme Court Judges' Six Weeks Recess

Supreme Court Judges are set to go for a six weeks recess from the beginning of August. 

The six weeks recess now means that some services, especially hearing and mention of cases at the apex court, will ground to a halt. 

“Pursuant to Article 163 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Kenya and section 6 of the Supreme Court Act, 2011 and Rules 4, 5, and 7 of the Supreme Court Rules 2020; the Chief Justice gives notice that the Supreme Court August recess will commence on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, and terminate on Saturday, September 16, 2023, both days inclusive,” reads the Gazzete Notice dated 16 announcing the recess read in part.

“During this period, the Supreme Court registry shall be open to the public from 8.30 am to 5 pm on all weekdays other than public holidays."

Such a period allows judges to work on writing rulings for key cases. 

The Supreme Court of Kenya brings together Chief Justice Martha Koome who serves as the President of the court, her deputy Philomena Mwilu and five other judges. 

The five judges include Justice Smokin Wanajala, Justice Njoki Ndung'u, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Justice Mohamed Khadhar Ibrahim, and Justice William Ouko.

The Supreme Court of Kenya is the highest court in Kenya.

It is established under Article 163 of the Kenyan Constitution.

As the highest court in the nation, its decisions are binding and set precedent for all other courts in the country