Supreme Court judges to go on recess for six weeks

Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced that the Judges of the Supreme Court will be proceeding on a holiday beginning August.

During the period, she said, services will not be available with only the duty judge present to deal with “urgent matters”.

“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 number 7694 dated June 16.

The registry will, however, remain open during the period.

“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,” it reads.

The period is typically set for the judges to write judgments.

The country's apex court is comprised of the Chief Justice, who shall be the president of the court, a deputy who also acts as the vice president and five other judges.

It has exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to the elections to the office of President, appellate jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from the Court of Appeal and any other court or tribunal as prescribed by national legislation among other matters.

Meanwhile, the CJ has appointed Leonard Joseph Wanjogu as a member of the Auctioneers Licensing Board.

He is set to serve for a period of three years beginning June 8.