Small Claims Court stations · Small Claims Court (claims up to KES 1,000,000)
Small Claims Court (claims up to KES 1,000,000) — Kenya
Format requirements for this court
| Court and track | Small Claims Court (claims up to KES 1,000,000) |
|---|---|
| Paper | A4 |
| Margins | 2.5 cm · 2.5 cm · 2.5 cm · 2.5 cm |
| Type | Times New Roman, 12 pt |
| Line spacing | 1.5 |
| Paragraph numbering | {n}. |
Twelve point type with 1.5 line spacing, printed on one side of A4 paper with numbered pages.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Small Claims Court (claims up to KES 1,000,000)
File the statement of claim at the Small Claims Court station that covers the place where the defendant lives or carries on business. A4 paper, 2.5 cm margins, 12 point type, numbered paragraphs, a statement of facts in date order, a signature, and a list of the documents you rely on. No lawyer appears for a party in this court; the parties appear in person.
KES 1,000,000 — The Small Claims Court hears claims of up to 1,000,000 shillings, excluding interest and costs.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Magistrate's Court - Civil Division (for reference only)
A plaint filed under the Civil Procedure Rules, with the heading of the court, the parties, the facts and the relief sought. This pack does not generate documents for this court.
KES 0 — The Magistrate's Court has different monetary limits and different rules on who may appear. This pack does not produce documents for that court.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Filing checklist - what to bring, in how many copies, and why documents get returned.
- A signed statement of claim in the form the Small Claims Court uses, with the statement of facts in date order.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The original for the court plus one copy for the respondent and one copy for your own records.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The filing fee set for a claim of the size you are bringing, or confirmation of any exemption that applies.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The original documents you rely on, and copies numbered from 1 with the list of attachments.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The respondent's full name and address, which also decides the court station.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The amount claimed, with the basis for the figure, and confirmation that it is within 1,000,000 shillings.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- Confirm with the court that the document set may be in English; the record of the court is kept in English.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- No lawyer appears for a party in the Small Claims Court, so attend the hearing yourself with your documents.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- Confirmation that the court station you chose covers the respondent's place of residence or business.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Why filings get sent back
- The statement of claim is not signed, so the court cannot treat it as the party's own claim.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The amount claimed is above 1,000,000 shillings, so the claim does not fall within the Small Claims Court.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The claim was filed at a court station that does not cover the place where the respondent lives or carries on business.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The paragraphs are not numbered, so the court and the other party cannot refer to a specific point.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The documents relied on are not listed, so the court cannot see what the claim is based on.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- The document is not on A4 paper with 2.5 cm margins and 12 point type, so it does not meet the form the court expects.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- A document set was filed in a language other than English without confirming the position with the court, although the record of the court is kept in English.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
The language you read here and the language of the documents are set separately.
Document language: English, Kiswahili. This is set by the court, not by the language you are reading now.
- English (Required)
Proceedings in the Small Claims Court may be conducted in English, in Kiswahili or in any other language the court allows, but the record of the court is kept in English. The document set is therefore prepared in English unless the court directs otherwise.
- Kiswahili
A party may address the Small Claims Court in Kiswahili, and the court may allow another language, but the record is kept in English. A document in Kiswahili may be used where the court allows it, so confirm the position with the court before filing a document set in Kiswahili.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Disclosure: what this document set is and is not
This document set was assembled by a document preparation service that organises the facts you supplied and applies the page format published by the court named above. The preparer is not a lawyer, is not an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and does not act as your representative in any court. No legal advice is given and no opinion is offered on which rule, defence or claim applies to your situation. You remain responsible for the contents of every document you file, for meeting every time limit, and for consulting a lawyer about your own situation. Every format rule in this pack is listed with its source so that you can check it yourself.
I have read this disclosure. I understand that the preparer is not a lawyer, that this set is a format and fact-organisation aid and not legal advice, and that no lawyer has reviewed my documents.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Confirm you understand: citations are not verified
The system does not check whether a citation is real. You are responsible for checking each one in the official database: Kenya Law (kenyalaw.org) - Laws of Kenya and the Kenya Law Reports.
Kenya Law (kenyalaw.org) - Laws of Kenya and the Kenya Law Reports
Check this citation yourself: confirm that the provision exists, that it is still in force, and that no later amendment or decision has changed it.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
Every format rule is listed with its source so you can check it yourself.
- Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2019 (sections 16, 18 and 25 to 32)
- Small Claims Court Rules, 2022 (procedure and forms of the Small Claims Court)
- Civil Procedure Rules (Laws of Kenya) - pleadings and service
- Judiciary of Kenya - Small Claims Court user guidance and court stations
- Judiciary of Kenya - court forms, including Small Claims Court forms
- Kenya Law (kenyalaw.org) - Laws of Kenya and the Kenya Law Reports