Apply for a protection order against domestic violence
The Judiciary of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Apply at the magistrate's court for a protection order against the person abusing you. If you are at risk, the court can give an interim order quickly, even outside court hours.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- The magistrate's court nearest you
Steps
- Go to the magistrate's court and lodge an application for a protection order.
- If waiting would put you at risk of harm, ask for an interim protection order. The court can make it without first notifying the other person, even outside court hours.
- If the court asks, back your application with an affidavit. The court may also ask the police, a social worker or a doctor to look into what happened.
- When an interim order is made, the court summons the other person to appear. The interim order stays until the court replaces, changes or cancels it.
Watch out
- Breaking a protection order is a crime: a fine of up to KSh 100,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
- If you report domestic violence to the police, they must tell you about your right to apply for a protection order and how to lodge a criminal complaint.
- You do not need a lawyer. If you have none, the court must explain the reliefs available to you.
Who can apply
- Anyone in a domestic relationship with the person causing the violence.
- Someone can apply for you, such as a police officer, social welfare officer, your employer, a relative, neighbour or co-worker, a doctor or a counsellor.
- A child can apply through a parent or guardian, a children officer or a police officer.
Official sources (2)
- The Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015 probation.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Magistrates Courts judiciary.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026