Take a dispute to the Micro and Small Enterprises Tribunal
Judiciary Tribunals · sources read 2 Oct 2026
File a Statement of Claim with the Micro and Small Enterprises Tribunal on the Judiciary e-filing portal, then serve the other side. Cases are meant to be decided within 60 days.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- Up to 60 days from filing (often sooner)
- Where
- Online on the Judiciary e-filing portal (efiling.court.go.ke). Office: Ground Floor, Kenya Re Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Email msetr@court.go.ke, tel 0795 516 894.
What you need
- A Statement of Claim (the claim form is on the Judiciary website, judiciary.go.ke)
- Supporting documents and statements (for example allocation letters, receipts, minutes)
- A Certificate of Service, once you've served the respondent
Steps
- File your Statement of Claim and documents on the Judiciary e-filing portal (efiling.court.go.ke), choosing the Micro and Small Enterprises Tribunal.
- Stuck on the portal? Visit the nearest court station, or call or email the tribunal (msetr@court.go.ke).
- Serve the respondent with a copy of the claim and your documents, then file a Certificate of Service.
- Within 7 days of service, the respondent can pay or settle with you, or admit all or part of the claim. If they don't respond, the tribunal can enter judgment for you.
Watch out
- You don't need a lawyer. You can bring the claim yourself or through a representative, who may be an advocate.
- You can't file here if the same case is already in another court. You'd first have to withdraw it there.
- Unhappy with the decision? You can appeal to the High Court (Civil Division), and that appeal is final.
Who can apply
- Individuals, groups and associations can bring a claim.
- Disputes involving micro and small enterprises: worksite allocation, subdivision or subletting, association elections and management, breaking an association's rules, and misuse of funds.
- Enterprises with annual turnover under KSh 5 million and up to 50 employees, within the investment limits set for their sector.
Official sources (3)
- Tribunals Frequently Asked Questions (Micro and Small Enterprises Tribunal section) tribunals.judiciary.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Know Your Tribunals tribunals.judiciary.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Tribunals Registry Operations Manual (2023) tribunals.judiciary.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026