JurisKE Legal Connection - Official Kenya Legal Directory & Virtual Courts

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

Corporate & Commercial

📖 4 min readVerified

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

A fast, affordable forum where advocates are optional and cases end in 60 days.

The Small Claims Court Act 2016 established a forum for civil claims not exceeding KES 1,000,000. Filing fees are modest, hearings are informal, and the adjudicator must determine the matter within 60 days. Claims include recovery of liquidated sums, contracts for goods and services, and compensation for personal injuries. Appeals lie to the High Court on points of law only.

Intellectual Property

📖 5 min readVerified

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

From preliminary search to certificate: costs, timelines and the Nice classification system.

Start with a preliminary search at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute to confirm your mark is distinctive and available in the relevant Nice class. File Form TM2 with a representation of the mark. Once accepted, the mark is advertised in the Industrial Property Journal for 60 days for opposition. If unopposed, a certificate is issued and the mark is protected for ten years, renewable indefinitely.

Employment & Labour

📖 5 min readVerified

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Timelines, remedies and evidence you need when challenging a dismissal in Kenya.

Under the Employment Act 2007, an employer must show a valid reason and a fair procedure before terminating employment. Employees have three years to file a claim at the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Remedies include up to 12 months' gross salary in compensation, reinstatement, notice pay and service pay. Keep your contract, payslips, warning letters and the termination letter as key evidence.

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Land & Conveyancing

📖 7 min readVerified

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Official searches, land rates clearance, spousal consent and the safest way to release purchase funds.

Before paying a deposit, conduct an official search at the relevant land registry and confirm the registered proprietor. Obtain land rates and land rent clearance certificates, confirm the parcel through a surveyor's map, and verify spousal consent under the Matrimonial Property Act. Funds should be held in an advocate's client account pending registration of transfer, and stamp duty (4% urban, 2% rural) must be paid before lodging documents.

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

Criminal Defence

📖 4 min readVerified

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

What the Constitution guarantees every arrested person, and the 24-hour rule police must follow.

Article 49 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees an arrested person the right to be informed promptly of the reason for arrest, to remain silent, to communicate with an advocate, and to be brought before a court within 24 hours. You cannot be compelled to make a confession. Bail should be granted unless there are compelling reasons to deny it. Always request the arresting officer's name, service number and station.

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

Succession & Probate

📖 6 min readVerified

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

A step-by-step guide to filing a succession cause at the High Court, from chief's letter to confirmation of grant.

When a person dies without a will in Kenya, the estate is distributed under the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160). Start by obtaining a death certificate and a letter from the area chief listing the survivors and assets. File Form P&A 80 together with an affidavit in support, an inventory of assets and consents from other beneficiaries at the High Court registry (or the Magistrate's Court where the estate is below the prescribed value). The grant is gazetted for 30 days, and if unopposed it can be confirmed after six months.

Corporate & Commercial

📖 4 min readVerified

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

A fast, affordable forum where advocates are optional and cases end in 60 days.

The Small Claims Court Act 2016 established a forum for civil claims not exceeding KES 1,000,000. Filing fees are modest, hearings are informal, and the adjudicator must determine the matter within 60 days. Claims include recovery of liquidated sums, contracts for goods and services, and compensation for personal injuries. Appeals lie to the High Court on points of law only.

Intellectual Property

📖 5 min readVerified

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

From preliminary search to certificate: costs, timelines and the Nice classification system.

Start with a preliminary search at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute to confirm your mark is distinctive and available in the relevant Nice class. File Form TM2 with a representation of the mark. Once accepted, the mark is advertised in the Industrial Property Journal for 60 days for opposition. If unopposed, a certificate is issued and the mark is protected for ten years, renewable indefinitely.

Employment & Labour

📖 5 min readVerified

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Timelines, remedies and evidence you need when challenging a dismissal in Kenya.

Under the Employment Act 2007, an employer must show a valid reason and a fair procedure before terminating employment. Employees have three years to file a claim at the Employment and Labour Relations Court. Remedies include up to 12 months' gross salary in compensation, reinstatement, notice pay and service pay. Keep your contract, payslips, warning letters and the termination letter as key evidence.

Land & Conveyancing

📖 7 min readVerified

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Official searches, land rates clearance, spousal consent and the safest way to release purchase funds.

Before paying a deposit, conduct an official search at the relevant land registry and confirm the registered proprietor. Obtain land rates and land rent clearance certificates, confirm the parcel through a surveyor's map, and verify spousal consent under the Matrimonial Property Act. Funds should be held in an advocate's client account pending registration of transfer, and stamp duty (4% urban, 2% rural) must be paid before lodging documents.

Criminal Defence

📖 4 min readVerified

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

What the Constitution guarantees every arrested person, and the 24-hour rule police must follow.

Article 49 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees an arrested person the right to be informed promptly of the reason for arrest, to remain silent, to communicate with an advocate, and to be brought before a court within 24 hours. You cannot be compelled to make a confession. Bail should be granted unless there are compelling reasons to deny it. Always request the arresting officer's name, service number and station.

Succession & Probate

📖 6 min readVerified

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

A step-by-step guide to filing a succession cause at the High Court, from chief's letter to confirmation of grant.

When a person dies without a will in Kenya, the estate is distributed under the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160). Start by obtaining a death certificate and a letter from the area chief listing the survivors and assets. File Form P&A 80 together with an affidavit in support, an inventory of assets and consents from other beneficiaries at the High Court registry (or the Magistrate's Court where the estate is below the prescribed value). The grant is gazetted for 30 days, and if unopposed it can be confirmed after six months.

Legal Resources & Citizen Guides

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

⚖️ General Legal Knowledge Disclaimer

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya

Small Claims Court: Recovering Debts Under KES 1 Million

Registering a Trademark with KIPI

Unfair Termination Claims at the ELRC

Buying Land in Kenya: The Due Diligence Checklist

Your Rights When Arrested: Article 49 Explained

How to Obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in Kenya