Courts martial under the Kenya Defence Forces Act
Judiciary of Kenya / Kenya Defence Forces · sources read 4 Oct 2026
A court martial is the military court that enforces the Kenya Defence Forces Act 2012. It tries KDF members and some others for service offences and ordinary crimes, and its decisions can be appealed to the High Court.
- Where
- Courts martial sit under the Kenya Defence Forces Act; appeals go to the High Court.
Steps
- A court martial hears service offences such as treachery, cowardice, disobedience and insubordination, and can also try ordinary crimes by people under the Act.
- Judge advocates appointed by the Chief Justice make sure the court runs properly.
- If you are unhappy with the decision, appeal to the High Court.
Watch out
- A court martial cannot try civilians charged under the Sexual Offences Act.
- The Court Martial is one of Kenya's subordinate courts, alongside magistrates' courts and Kadhis' courts.
Who this covers
- It covers regular and reserve KDF members, alleged spies, people serving with or accompanying the forces, and civilians at Defence Forces institutions or with units on operations
Official sources (3)
- Court Martial: Mandate and Jurisdiction ormc.judiciary.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- The High Court judiciary.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Subordinate courts judiciary.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026