Judiciary to Open 15 New Small Claims Courts, Expand Court of Appeal Presence

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The Judiciary has announced the establishment of 15 new Small Claims Courts across Kenya and the creation of additional Court of Appeal stations in Kakamega and Meru, with operations set to begin next month

The move, gazetted officially this week, aims to expand access to justice and bring court services closer to the public. Small Claims Courts deal with civil disputes involving relatively low monetary value, offering simplified procedures for faster resolution

“The establishment of these additional courts will help reduce the backlog in magistrates’ courts while providing a quicker and more affordable option for individuals and small businesses to resolve disputes,” the notice stated

In addition to the new Small Claims Courts, the Judiciary will open Court of Appeal stations at the Kakamega Law Courts and the Nkubu Law Courts in Meru. These new appellate courts will improve access for residents in western Kenya and Meru, who previously had to travel long distances to access appellate services

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Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also chairs the Judicial Service Commission, emphasized that the expansion is part of the Judiciary’s broader efforts to strengthen justice delivery nationwide

The new courts are expected to be fully operational starting next month, marking a significant step in reducing delays in both civil and appellate cases