How much lawyers charge: the Advocates Remuneration Order
Law Society of Kenya / Kenya Law · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Lawyers' minimum fees are set by the Advocates Remuneration Order; for example, at least KSh 35,000 (or 2% of the price up to KSh 5 million) for a land sale or purchase, and at least KSh 60,000 to form a company. You can agree a fee with your lawyer, but put it in writing and sign it.
- Fee
- KSh 35,000Land sale or purchase, up to KSh 5 million value: 2% or KSh 35,000, whichever is higher (minimum shown)KSh 60,000Forming and registering a company (minimum)KSh 20,000Preparing a lease or tenancy agreement, annual rent up to KSh 500,000: 15% of a year's rent or KSh 20,000, whichever is higher (minimum shown)KSh 1,000Attendance (meeting) time, per 15 minutes, where no scale applies
- Where
- Agree fees directly with your advocate; check the advocate on the LSK portal (online.lsk.or.ke); fee disputes go to the High Court
What you need
- A written fee agreement signed by you, if you agree a fee with your lawyer
Steps
- Before you hire a lawyer, ask which scale in the Remuneration Order applies to your matter, for example the land, lease, company or probate scale.
- If you agree a fixed fee, put it in writing and sign it. A signed agreement is binding on both of you.
- If an agreed fee turns out harsh or unreasonable, you can ask the court to vary or set it aside, within one year of the agreement or three months of the lawyer's written demand, whichever is later.
Watch out
- A lawyer may not charge you less than the Order allows, so a deal far below the scale is not valid.
- In a court case, a lawyer may not agree to be paid only if you win, or take more than 25% of general damages recovered.
- A lawyer can't sue you for fees until one month after sending you a signed bill.
Official sources (3)
- Advocates (Remuneration) (Amendment) Order, 2014 (Legal Notice No. 35 of 2014) acc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Advocates Act, Cap. 16 (Revised Edition 2012) acc.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- LSK advocate search portal online.lsk.or.ke · read 4 Oct 2026