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.