Supreme Court Act

LAWS OF KENYA
THE SUPREME COURT ACT
CAP. 9B
Revised and published by the National Council for Law Reporting
with the authority of the Attorney-General as gazetted by the Government Printer
www.kenyalaw.org

Kenya
Supreme Court Act
Cap. 9B
Legislation as at 31 December 2022
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Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B)
Contents
Part I – PRELIMINARY ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Short title .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Interpretation ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
3. Object of the Act ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3A. Inherent powers of the Court ...........................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................

2
Part II – ADMINISTRATION OF THE SUPREME COURT ......................................................................................................................... 2
4. Vacancy not to affect jurisdiction ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
5. Order of precedence of judges of the Supreme Court ............................................................................................................... 2
6. Presiding judge ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
6A. Functions of the president ................................................................................................................................................................ 3
7. Procedure if judges absent ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
8. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

............................................................................................................. 3
8. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

8.] .......................................................................................................................................... 3
9. Registrar of the Supreme Court .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
10. Functions of the Registrar .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
11. Reviews of decisions of the Registrar ............................................................................................................................................ 4
11A. Case management .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Part III – ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT .......................................................................................................... 4
12.

NAL JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT .......................................................................................................... 4
12.

Determination of disputes arising out of presidential elections ......................................................................................... 4
13. Advisory opinion .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
13A. Determinations in a state of emergency ................................................................................................................................... 5
14. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 15.] ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Part IV – APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT ........................................................................................................ 5
15. Appeals to be by leave ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
15A.

............................................................................................................................................... 5
15A.

Appeal as of right .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
15B. Appeal upon certification ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
15C. Direct appeals from tribunals ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
16. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 18.] ..................................................................................................................................... 6
17. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 19.] ...................................................................................................................................... 6
18. Summary dismissal ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
19. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

............................................................................................................ 6
19. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

21.] ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Part V – GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
20. Further evidence in appeals .............................................................................................................................................................. 6
21. General powers ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
21A. Review of own decision ................................................................................................................................................................... 7

.................................................................................................................................................... 7

22. Power to remit proceedings .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
23. Exercise of powers of the Court ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
23A. Stay of proceedings ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
24. Interlocutory directions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
25. Judgement of the Court ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
26. Delivery of judgement ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9
27.

................................................................................................................................................ 9
27.

Decisions of the Court may be enforced by the High Court .................................................................................................. 9
28. Contempt of Court ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
29. Seal of the Supreme Court ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
29A. Nomination of Court representatives ....................................................................................................................................... 10
29B. Committees of the Court ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
29C. Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms .......................................................................................................................... 10
29D.

solution mechanisms .......................................................................................................................... 10
29D.

Court sittings and recess ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
29E. Ethics and integrity .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
30. Representation before the Supreme Court ................................................................................................................................ 11
31. Rules ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

................................................................................................................................................... 11

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
SUPREME COURT ACT
CAP. 9B
Published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXIII—No. 59 on 1 July 2011
Assented to on 22 June 2011
Commenced on 23 June 2011
[Amended by Election Laws (Amendment) Act (Act No. 36 of 2016) on 4 October 2016]
[Amended by Supreme Court (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act No. 26 of 2022) on 11 July 2022]
[Revised by 24th Annual Supplement (Legal Notice 221 of 2023) on 31 December 2022]
An Act of Parliament to make further provision with respect to the operation of the Supreme Court
pursuant to Article 163(9) of the Constitution, and for connected purposes
Part I – PRELIMINARY
1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Supreme Court Act. 2. Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
"Chief Justice" means the Chief Justice appointed under Article 166 of the Constitution;
"Chief Registrar" deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

requires—
"Chief Justice" means the Chief Justice appointed under Article 166 of the Constitution;
"Chief Registrar" deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

2 (a);
"Court" means the Supreme Court of Kenya as established under Article 163(1) of the Constitution;
"Deputy Chief Justice" means the Deputy Chief Justice appointed under Article 166 of the Constitution;
“petition” means a petition filed under Articles 58(5), 163(3) and (4) and 168(8) of the Constitution;
"preliminary procedures" means presentation made before a single judge, a two-judge bench, or the
Registrar, on a matter preparatory in nature;
"president" means the president of the Supreme Court;
“proceedings” means presentation made before the Court under Article 163(2) of the Constitution for final
determination on a matter;
"Registry" means the registry where all pleadings and supporting documents and all orders and decisions
of the Court are recorded and maintained in accordance with the rules;
"Registrar" means the Registrar of the Supreme Court appointed pursuant to section 9 and includes a
deputy registrar;
"rules" mean the Rules of the Supreme Court made pursuant to Article 163 (8) of the Constitution;
"Supreme Court" means the Supreme Court of Kenya established by Article 163 of the Constitution. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 2.]
1

8) of the Constitution;
"Supreme Court" means the Supreme Court of Kenya established by Article 163 of the Constitution. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 2.]
1

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
3. Object of the Act
The object of this Act is to make further provision with respect to the operation of the Supreme Court as a
court of final judicial authority to, among other things—
(a) assert the supremacy of the Constitution and the sovereignty of the people of Kenya;
(b) provide authoritative and impartial interpretation of the Constitution;
(c) develop rich jurisprudence that respects Kenya’s history and traditions and facilitates its social,
economic and political growth;
(d) enable important constitutional and other legal matters to be determined having due regard to the
circumstances, history and cultures of the people of Kenya;
(e) improve access to justice; and
(f) provide for the administration of the Supreme Court and related matters. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 3.]
3A. Inherent powers of the Court
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to impair the powers of the Court to make such orders or provide
such directions as may be necessary for the administration of justice. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 4.]
Part II – ADMINISTRATION OF THE SUPREME COURT
4.

de
such directions as may be necessary for the administration of justice. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 4.]
Part II – ADMINISTRATION OF THE SUPREME COURT
4.

Vacancy not to affect jurisdiction
Subject to Article 163 (2) of the Constitution, a vacancy in the Supreme Court shall not affect the
jurisdiction of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 5.]
5. Order of precedence of judges of the Supreme Court
(1) As the head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice shall have precedence over the other judges of the
Supreme Court. (2) The Deputy Chief Justice shall take precedence immediately after the Chief Justice. (3) The other judges of the Supreme Court shall take precedence among themselves, according to the
dates on which they respectively took office as judges of the Supreme Court. (4) Where, under subsection (3), two or more judges of the Supreme Court took office on the same day,
precedence among them shall be determined according to professional seniority with the most
senior judge taking precedence. 6. Presiding judge
(1) The Chief Justice shall preside over the Supreme Court and in the absence of the Chief Justice, the
Deputy Chief Justice shall preside.

ding judge
(1) The Chief Justice shall preside over the Supreme Court and in the absence of the Chief Justice, the
Deputy Chief Justice shall preside.

(2) If the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice are absent or unable to preside, or the offices
of Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice are vacant, the most senior available judge of the
Supreme Court shall preside over the Court and perform any administrative duty that may be
necessary for the proper conduct of the affairs of the Court. 2

eme Court shall preside over the Court and perform any administrative duty that may be
necessary for the proper conduct of the affairs of the Court. 2

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(3) The presiding by a judge over the Supreme Court pursuant to subsection (2) shall be conclusive
proof of the judge’s authority to do so and no action of the Judge, and no judgement or decision
of the Court shall be questioned on the ground that the necessity for the judge to preside over the
Court had not arisen or had ceased. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 6.]
6A. Functions of the president
The president of the Court shall —
(a) be the head of the Court and shall, in that regard, oversee the proper management and
administration of the Court;
(b) be responsible for the allocation of cases, constitution of benches, and determination of sittings of
the Court; and
(c) be responsible for giving general directions for the administration of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 7.]
7. Procedure if judges absent
(1) If at the time appointed for a sitting of the Supreme Court one or more judges are absent, the judge
or judges present may adjourn the sitting on such terms as the Court thinks fit.

sitting of the Supreme Court one or more judges are absent, the judge
or judges present may adjourn the sitting on such terms as the Court thinks fit.

(2) If at the time appointed for a sitting of the Supreme Court all the judges are absent, the Registrar
shall adjourn the sitting until such time as the Court shall next convene. 8. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 8.]
9. Registrar of the Supreme Court
(1) There shall be a Registrar of the Supreme Court who shall be appointed pursuant to Article 161(3)
of the Constitution. (2) The Registrar and other officers appointed shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as
may be conferred upon them upon directions of the Court, the rules of court and the directions of
the Chief Justice. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 9.]
10.

s
may be conferred upon them upon directions of the Court, the rules of court and the directions of
the Chief Justice. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 9.]
10.

Functions of the Registrar
(1) The Registrar shall be responsible for—
(a) the establishment and maintenance of the Registry;
(b) the acceptance, transmission, service and custody of documents in accordance with the
rules;
(c) taxing costs of any proceedings before the Court as between the parties;
(d) certifying that any order, direction or decision is an order, direction or decision of the Court,
or of the Chief Justice or other judge, as the case may be;
(e) causing to be kept records of the proceedings and the minutes of the meetings of the Court
and such other records as the Court may direct;
(f) the management and supervision of the staff of the Court;
(g) the day to day administration of the Court;
3

other records as the Court may direct;
(f) the management and supervision of the staff of the Court;
(g) the day to day administration of the Court;
3

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(h) the management of the library of the Court;
(i) ensuring the publication of the judgements of the Court; and
(j) undertaking any duties assigned by the Court. (2) The Registrar may consider and dispose of procedural or administrative matters in accordance with
the rules or on the direction of the Chief Justice. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 10.]
11. Reviews of decisions of the Registrar
(1) A person aggrieved by a decision of the Registrar made in accordance with the rules may apply to a
judge of the Supreme Court for a review of such decision. (2) The judge may confirm, modify, or reverse the decision in issue. (3) No fee shall be payable for an application under this section. 11A. Case management
The Court shall implement and promote measures to maintain the integrity and efficient operation of the
registry, including—
(a) case management;
(b) automation of records and business processes of the Court;
(c) protection and management of information; and
(d) promotion of the use of information, and communication technology. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 11.]
Part III – ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
[Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 12.]
12.

ion, and communication technology. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 11.]
Part III – ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
[Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 12.]
12.

Determination of disputes arising out of presidential elections
(1) An application to the Supreme Court in respect of a dispute to which Article 163(3)(a) of the
Constitution applies shall be submitted by petition and shall further comply with the procedures
prescribed by the rules. (2) The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission shall, within a period of forty-eight hours
from the date of the service of a presidential election petition, submit to the Supreme Court
certified copies of the documents used to declare the results of the presidential election, including
the forms used to announce the results of the election at the polling station and the constituency
tallying centre and to declare the result at the national tallying centre. [Act No. 36 of 2016, s. 39.]
13. Advisory opinion
(1) The Court may give an advisory opinion under Article 163 (6) of the Constitution at the request of
—
(a) the national government;
(b) a State organ; or
4

Court may give an advisory opinion under Article 163 (6) of the Constitution at the request of
—
(a) the national government;
(b) a State organ; or
4

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(c) a county government with respect to a matter concerning the county government. (2) A request for an advisory opinion shall clearly state the specific questions on which the opinion of
the Court is being sought. (3) The nature of opinion sought shall not be adversarial, abstract, or hypothetical. (4) The Court may, on its own motion, invite an expert whose opinion on the subject matter it deems
relevant. (5) The Court may decline to assume jurisdiction on the subject matter in question, and state its
reasons. (6) An advisory opinion has the same binding effect as any other decision of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 13.]
13A. Determinations in a state of emergency
(1) Pursuant to Article 58(5) of the Constitution, a person may petition the Supreme Court for
determination of the validity of —
(a) a declaration of a state of emergency;
(b) any extension of a declaration of a state of emergency; or
(c) any legislation enacted or other action taken in consequence of a declaration of a state of
emergency. (2) A petition under subsection (1) shall be made in accordance with the Rules made under this Act. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 14.]
14.

ate of
emergency. (2) A petition under subsection (1) shall be made in accordance with the Rules made under this Act. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 14.]
14.

[Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 15.]
Part IV – APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE SUPREME COURT
[Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 16.]
15. Appeals to be by leave
(1) Appeals to the Supreme Court shall be heard only with the leave of the Court. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to appeals from the Court of Appeal in respect of matters relating to
the interpretation or application of the Constitution. (3) References in any written law, other than this Act, to the leave of the Supreme Court shall be
construed subject to the provisions of sections 17 and 18 of this Act. 15A. Appeal as of right
Pursuant to Article 163(4)(a) of the Constitution, appeals shall lie from the Court of Appeal to the
Supreme Court as of right in any case involving the interpretation of the Constitution. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 17.]
5

from the Court of Appeal to the
Supreme Court as of right in any case involving the interpretation of the Constitution. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 17.]
5

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
15B. Appeal upon certification
(1) Any appeal to the Supreme Court involving a matter of general public importance shall only be
made—
(a) upon certification by the Court of Appeal; or
(b) upon certification by the Supreme Court in accordance with Article 163(4)(b) of the
Constitution. (2) An application for certification shall be filed before, and determined by the Court of Appeal at the
first instance. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 17.]
15C. Direct appeals from tribunals
(1) A judge of a superior court aggrieved by the decision of a tribunal made under Article 168 of the
Constitution may appeal directly to the Supreme Court, within ten days after the tribunal makes its
recommendations. (2) The appeal shall be heard and determined in accordance with the procedure set out under the
Rules. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 17.]
16. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 18.]
17. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 19.]
18. Summary dismissal
The Court may make an order for summary dismissal of a petition, a reference or an application, where it
is apparent on the face of it that it is wholly defective. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 20.]
19. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

application, where it
is apparent on the face of it that it is wholly defective. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 20.]
19. [Repealed by Act No. 26 of 2022, s.

21.]
Part V – GENERAL
20. Further evidence in appeals
(1) The Court may admit further evidence in determining an appeal, where the Court considers it
necessary and appropriate in the circumstances. (2) The Court, in admitting additional evidence, shall consider whether the additional evidence —
(a) is directly relevant to the matter before the Court;
(b) is capable of influencing or impacting on the decision of the Court;
(c) could not have been obtained with reasonable diligence for use at the trial;
(d) was not within the knowledge of the party seeking to adduce the additional evidence;
(e) removes any vagueness or doubt over the case;
(f) is credible and bears merit;
6

knowledge of the party seeking to adduce the additional evidence;
(e) removes any vagueness or doubt over the case;
(f) is credible and bears merit;
6

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(g) would not make it difficult or impossible for the other party to respond effectively; and
(h) discloses a case of wilful deception to the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 22.]
21. General powers
(1) On an appeal in proceedings heard in any court or tribunal, the Supreme Court may make any order,
or grant any relief, that could have been made or granted by that court or tribunal. (2) In any proceedings, the Supreme Court may make any ancillary or interlocutory orders, including
any orders as to costs that it thinks fit to award. (3) The Supreme Court may make any order necessary for determining the real question in issue in the
appeal, and may direct the court below to inquire into and certify its findings on any question which
the Supreme Court thinks fit to determine before final judgement in the appeal. (4) The Court may, on its own motion or on application by any party with notice to the other or others,
correct any oversight or clerical error of computation or other error apparent on such judgement,
ruling or order and such correction shall constitute part of the judgement, ruling or order of the
Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 23.]
21A.

judgement,
ruling or order and such correction shall constitute part of the judgement, ruling or order of the
Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 23.]
21A.

Review of own decision
The Supreme Court may review its own decision, either on its own motion, or upon application by a party
in any of the following circumstances—
(a) where the judgement, ruling or order was obtained through fraud, deceit or misrepresentation of
facts;
(b) where the judgement, ruling or order is a nullity by virtue of being made by a court which was not
competent;
(c) where the court was misled into giving a judgement, ruling or order under the belief that the parties
have consented; or
(d) where the judgement, ruling or order was rendered on the basis of repealed law, or as a result of a
deliberate concealment of a statutory provision. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 24.]
22. Power to remit proceedings
The Supreme Court may remit proceedings that began in a court or tribunal to any court that has
jurisdiction to deal with the matter. 23. Exercise of powers of the Court
(1) For the purposes of the hearing and determination of any proceedings, the Supreme Court shall
comprise five Judges.

xercise of powers of the Court
(1) For the purposes of the hearing and determination of any proceedings, the Supreme Court shall
comprise five Judges.

(2) A single judge may hear and determine an application for the following preliminary procedures—
(a) change of representation;
(b) admission of consent;
(c) consolidation of matters;
(d) correction of errors on the face of the record;
7

rocedures—
(a) change of representation;
(b) admission of consent;
(c) consolidation of matters;
(d) correction of errors on the face of the record;
7

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(e) review of a decision of the Registrar;
(f) substitution of service;
(g) withdrawal of an advocate to cease acting for a party;
(h) withdrawal of a document; or
(i) certification of a matter as urgent. (2A) Any two or more judges may conduct preliminary procedures to determine—
(a) the manner of hearing an application;
(b) extension of time; or
(c) leave to file additional documents. (2B) The following preliminary procedures shall only be heard and determined by the Court—
(a) admission of parties, friend of the Court, and any interested party;
(b) substitution of parties;
(c) dismissal of a matter for want of prosecution;
(d) summary dismissal of proceedings; or
(e) application for certification
(2C) A party aggrieved by the decision of a single judge or two judges may apply for review of the
decision by five or more judges of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 25.]
23A.

e decision of a single judge or two judges may apply for review of the
decision by five or more judges of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 25.]
23A.

Stay of proceedings
(1) The Court may issue an order for stay of execution, an injunction, a stay of further proceedings or
any other conservatory or interim orders, on such terms as the Court may deem fit where a party
has—
(a) instituted a petition of appeal as of right under Article 163(4)(a) of the Constitution; or
(b) obtained a certification under Article 163(4)(b) of the Constitution and instituted a petition. (2) An application under subsection (1) shall only be made after filing the petition before the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 26.]
24. Interlocutory directions
(1) Subject to this Act, in conducting any preliminary procedures, a single judge may issue
interlocutory orders or directions as the judge deems fit, but such orders or directions shall not
dispose of issues reserved for determination in proceedings. (2) An interlocutory order or direction issued by a single judge shall lapse after fourteen days, unless
confirmed by the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 27.]
25. Judgement of the Court
(1) The judgement of the Supreme Court shall be in accordance with the opinion of a majority of the
Judges hearing the proceeding concerned. 8

e Court
(1) The judgement of the Supreme Court shall be in accordance with the opinion of a majority of the
Judges hearing the proceeding concerned. 8

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(2) If the judges are equally divided in opinion, the decision appealed from or under review shall be
considered as having been affirmed. (3) Where a judge presiding over a matter is not able to deliver a judgement on account of death,
suspension, removal from office, retirement or infirmity, which occasions a lack of prescribed
quorum in the Court, the Chief Justice may substitute such judge. (4) The incoming judge, in terms of subsection (3), shall rely on submissions and proceedings on
record, as a basis for delivering judgement. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 28.]
26. Delivery of judgement
(1) The Supreme Court may deliver a judgement —
(a) in open court; or
(b) by physical or electronic service of the same to the parties. (2) Where a matter is heard before the Supreme Court and judgement reserved for delivery on another
day, it shall not be necessary for all the judges before whom the matter was heard to be present in
court on the day appointed for the delivery of judgement. (3) Deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29. (4) Deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29.]
27.

ed for the delivery of judgement. (3) Deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29. (4) Deleted by Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 29.]
27.

Decisions of the Court may be enforced by the High Court
A judgement, decree, or order of the Supreme Court may be enforced by the High Court as if it had been
given or made by the High Court. 28. Contempt of Court
(1) A person who—
(a) assaults, threatens, intimidates, or wilfully insults a judge of the Supreme Court, the
Registrar of the Court, a Deputy Registrar or officer of the Court, or a witness, during a sitting
or attendance in Court, or in going to or returning from the Court; or
(b) willfully interrupts or obstructs the proceedings of the Supreme Court, in the Court; or
(c) willfully and without lawful excuse disobeys an order or direction of the Supreme Court in
the course of the hearing of a proceeding,
commits an offence. (2) A police officer, with or without the assistance of any other person, may, by order of a judge of the
Supreme Court, take into custody and detain a person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
until the rising of the Court.

rder of a judge of the
Supreme Court, take into custody and detain a person who commits an offence under subsection (1)
until the rising of the Court.

(3) The Supreme Court may sentence a person who commits an offence under subsection (1) to
imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or to pay a fine not exceeding one million
shillings, or to both, for every offence. (4) For avoidance of doubt, the Court has inherent powers to punish any person for contempt, in any
other case to which this section does not apply. (5) The Court shall not initiate any contempt of court proceedings on its own motion after expiry of
twelve months from the date on which the contempt is alleged to have been committed. 9

contempt of court proceedings on its own motion after expiry of
twelve months from the date on which the contempt is alleged to have been committed. 9

Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
(6) The Court may make an order denying audience to the contemnor for any period, as the Court may
deem fit, but not exceeding eighteen months. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 30.]
29. Seal of the Supreme Court
The seal of the Supreme Court shall be such device as may be determined by the Supreme Court and shall
be kept in the custody of the Registrar. 29A. Nomination of Court representatives
The Court may make Rules in respect of the—
(a) conduct of the election of the representative of the Court to the Judicial Service Commission; and
(b) conduct of the election or nomination of any person that the Court may, under any written law, be
required to elect or nominate. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
29B. Committees of the Court
The Court may establish committees for the purpose of efficient management of its affairs, including the
welfare of the judges and staff of the Court. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
29C. Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms
(1) In the conduct of proceedings, the Court shall promote and encourage alternative dispute
resolution mechanisms, in accordance with Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution.

roceedings, the Court shall promote and encourage alternative dispute
resolution mechanisms, in accordance with Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution.

(2) Reference of a matter to alternative dispute resolution may be initiated by the Court on its own
motion, or at the request of the parties. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
29D. Court sittings and recess
(1) The Court shall have three sittings in every year. (2) The sittings of the Court shall be —
(a) from the 14th January to the second Wednesday before Good Friday;
(b) from the first Wednesday after Easter Week to the 31st July; and
(c) from the 16th September to the 20th December. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
29E. Ethics and integrity
Every judge of the Court shall sign and ascribe to the Judicial Code of Conduct. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
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22, s. 31.]
29E. Ethics and integrity
Every judge of the Court shall sign and ascribe to the Judicial Code of Conduct. [Act No. 26 of 2022, s. 31.]
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Supreme Court Act (Cap. 9B) Kenya
30. Representation before the Supreme Court
Parties may appear in person or be represented by an advocate in all proceedings before the Supreme
Court. 31.

Representation before the Supreme Court
Parties may appear in person or be represented by an advocate in all proceedings before the Supreme
Court. 31.

Rules
Without limiting the generality of Article 163(8) of the Constitution, the rules made by the Supreme Court
under that Article may make provision for—
(a) regulating the sittings of the Supreme Court and the selection of judges for any particular purpose;
(b) regulating the right of any person other than an advocate of the High Court of Kenya to practise
before the Supreme Court and the representation of persons concerned in any proceedings in the
Supreme Court;
(c) prescribing forms and fees in respect of proceedings in the Supreme Court and regulating the costs
of and incidental to any such proceedings;
(d) prescribing the time within which any requirement of the rules shall be complied with;
(e) empowering the Registrar, in order to promote access to justice, to waive, reduce, or postpone the
payment of a fee required in connection with a proceeding or intended proceeding, or to refund, in
whole or in part, such a fee that has already been paid, if satisfied on the basis of criteria prescribed
under paragraph (f) that—
(i) the person otherwise responsible for payment of the fee is unable to pay or absorb the fee in
whole or in part; or
(ii) unless one or more of those powers are exercised in respect of a proceeding that concerns a
matter of genuine public interest, the proceeding is unlikely to be commenced or continued;
(f) prescribing, for the purposes of the exercise of a power under paragraph (e), the criteria—
(i) for assessing a person’s ability to pay a fee; and
(ii) for identifying proceedings that concern matters of genuine public interest; and
(g) any other matter required under the Constitution, this Act or any other written law.

ceedings that concern matters of genuine public interest; and
(g) any other matter required under the Constitution, this Act or any other written law.

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