Your Complete Guide to Small Claims Court in Kenya (2025)

Your Complete Guide to Small Claims Court in Kenya (2025)

Small Claims Court was established to make justice faster and more affordable for ordinary Kenyans. If you have a dispute involving less than KES 1,000,000, this court is your best friend.

Here’s how it works in 2025.

💼 What Types of Cases Does It Handle?

• Unpaid debts
• Damaged property
• Breach of contract
• Negligence claims
• Compensation disputes

Not handled: Divorce, land ownership, criminal matters.

👩‍⚖️ Who Can File a Claim?

Any individual, business, or cooperative society based in Kenya.

📑 Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Draft a Claim

Prepare a simple document explaining:

• The facts of your case
• How much you’re claiming
• Evidence you have (invoices, contracts, photos)

👉 Tip: Sheria AI can help you draft a clear, court-ready claim.

Step 2: File at the Small Claims Court Registry

You’ll pay a small filing fee — about 1% of the claim amount.

Step 3: Service

The court helps you serve the other party with your claim.

Step 4: Hearing

Usually within 60 days of filing. Proceedings are informal — no need for heavy technical procedures.

Step 5: Judgment

Once judgment is given, the losing party must pay immediately or risk enforcement action.

⚡ Why Use Small Claims Court?

• Fast (resolves cases within 60 days)
• Affordable
• No need for expensive legal representation

📲 Ready to Draft Your Claim?

Sheria AI helps you create demand letters, claims, and even defense responses based on your case type.

👉 Visit sheria.org to get started.