High Court announces Easter recess dates

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The High Court will break for its annual Easter recess from March 25 to April 8, 2026, with special arrangements put in place to ensure urgent matters continue to be heard.

In a notice issued under Article 165(1) of the Constitution and the High Court (Organisation and Administration) Act, 2015, Principal Judge Eric Ogola said the recess will apply to the High Court and courts of equal status, including the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the Environment and Land Court.

“The Easter recess of the High Court and courts of equal status shall commence on March 25, 2026 and terminate on April 8, 2026, both days inclusive,” Justice Ogola said in the notice dated February 6.

He assured litigants and the public that the administration of justice will not be interrupted during the period, as duty judges will be appointed to handle urgent matters.

“For avoidance of doubt, recess duty judges shall be appointed to hear and try matters arising during the recess in accordance with the High Court (Practice and Procedure) Rules,” he said.

According to the directive, presiding judges at various High Court stations and divisions will designate duty judges to handle cases within their jurisdictions.

The Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the Presiding Judge of the Environment and Land Court will similarly assign judges for their respective courts.

Justice Ogola further clarified that court stations with only one judge will not suspend services entirely.

Matters arising in such stations will be transferred to the nearest High Court station where a recess duty judge is sitting.

“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,” he said.

The Judiciary also announced that court registries and administrative offices will remain open throughout the recess period to facilitate the filing and processing of urgent applications.

“During the recess, the offices of the aforesaid courts, including registries, shall be open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm on all weekdays other than public holidays,” Justice Ogola added.

Court recesses are a routine feature in the judicial calendar, allowing judges time to prepare rulings and judgments while ensuring emergency and time-sensitive cases such as constitutional petitions, injunctions and criminal applications continue to be handled.

The notice is expected to guide litigants, lawyers and court users in planning their filings and appearances ahead of the Easter period, while maintaining continuity in the delivery of justice.