File a case at the Small Claims Court (claims up to KSh 1 million)
The Judiciary · sources read 6 Oct 2026
If someone owes you KSh 1 million or less (for goods, services, money or damage), fill in Form SCC 1, file it at the Small Claims Court (online through Judiciary e-filing works), then serve the other side. The law says the case should be decided within 60 days. Filing fees are KSh 200 to KSh 1,000, depending on how much you are claiming.
- Fee
- KSh 200Filing fee: Claim below KSh 200,000KSh 400Filing fee: Claim of KSh 200,000 to 500,000KSh 600Filing fee: Claim of KSh 500,000 to 800,000KSh 1,000Filing fee: Claim of KSh 800,000 to 1 million
- How long
- Heard and decided within 60 days of filing (by law)
- Deadline
- The other side has 15 days after being served to pay, admit or defend the claim.
- Where
- Small Claims Court, online through Judiciary e-filing or at the court's registry. File where you live or do business, where the deal or damage happened, or where the other side lives.
What you need
- Form SCC 1 (Statement of Claim), available on the Judiciary website
- Any supporting documents, for example invoices, receipts, contracts or messages
- A certificate of service, after you have served the other side
Steps
- Download and fill in Form SCC 1: your details, the other side's details, what happened and how much you want. Attach your supporting documents.
- File the claim at the court registry, or online on Judiciary e-filing (efiling.court.go.ke): sign up for an account, get it activated, then upload your claim.
- Serve the other side with a copy of the claim and your documents, then file a certificate of service with the court.
- Attend the hearing. Judgment is given the same day or within 3 days of the hearing.
Watch out
- If you are owed more than KSh 1 million, filing here means you give up anything above KSh 1 million (costs and interest aside).
- It does not handle defamation, divorce, land ownership disputes or employment cases. Those go to other courts.
- Make sure you serve the other side properly. If they then ignore the claim, the court can give judgment in your favour.
Who can apply
- Individuals and companies can file a claim.
- You can argue the case yourself or use a representative, such as a lawyer. A lawyer is not required.
- The claim must be worth KSh 1 million or less.
- It must be about goods or services sold, money held or received, loss or damage to property, or personal injury.
Official sources (5)
- Small Claims Court judiciary.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Small Claims Court FAQs (English FAQ Brochure) judiciary.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Small Claims Court Form (Form SCC 1, Statement of Claim) judiciary.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- Judiciary E-filing FAQs judiciary.go.ke · read 30 Sep 2026
- The Small Claims Court Rules (L.N. 145 of 2019), Second Schedule: Fees new.kenyalaw.org · read 6 Oct 2026