Courts we practise before
Subordinate courts — Magistrates' Courts, the Small Claims Court (for monetary claims up to KES 1,000,000) and the Kadhi's Courts in matters of Islamic personal law.
Superior courts — the High Court (general civil jurisdiction), the Environment & Land Court (land matters) and the Employment & Labour Relations Court (employment disputes).
Appellate courts — the Court of Appeal and, on constitutional questions, the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Pre-trial work and case strategy
Every instruction begins with a documented case assessment: the legal basis of the claim, the strength of the evidence, the available reliefs, anticipated timelines and a candid view of likely costs and recovery prospects.
We negotiate where negotiation will achieve the client's commercial objective and litigate where it will not.
Urgent reliefs and injunctions
Where rights are under immediate threat — fraudulent transfer of land, dissipation of assets, breach of restrictive covenants — we move promptly for temporary injunctions, Mareva freezing orders and Anton Piller search orders to preserve the status quo.
Court-annexed mediation
Many civil suits are now referred to court-annexed mediation. Properly conducted, mediation is faster, cheaper and more durable than judgment — particularly in commercial and family disputes where ongoing relationships matter.
Appeals
We prosecute and defend appeals to the Court of Appeal and, in matters of general public importance or constitutional interpretation, to the Supreme Court of Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a civil case take in Kenya?+
Subordinate court matters often conclude within twelve to eighteen months. High Court suits with full hearings typically run two to three years at first instance, plus a further one to three years on appeal where parties elect to appeal.
What is the limitation period for civil claims in Kenya?+
Under the Limitation of Actions Act: six years for contract and tort claims, three years for personal injury, twelve years for actions to recover land and twelve years for claims against estates of deceased persons.
What is the Small Claims Court?+
The Small Claims Court is a specialised court hearing monetary claims up to KES 1,000,000 on a fast-track basis. Matters are typically determined within 60 days and procedure is simplified, though parties may still appear by advocate.
Will my matter go to mediation before trial?+
Most civil suits filed in the High Court and ELC are now screened for court-annexed mediation. Successful mediation results in a consent judgment; if mediation fails, the suit proceeds to hearing without prejudice to either party's position.
Can I represent myself in court in Kenya?+
Yes, parties may appear in person. However, contested matters in the High Court, ELC and Court of Appeal almost always require legal representation to navigate procedure and evidence effectively.