The Small Claims Court Rules

Legal Notice 145 of 2019

This is the latest version of this Legal Notice.

Citation

Legal Notice 145 of 2019

Primary work

Small Claims Court Act

Date

Language

English

Type

Legal Notice

Publication

Download PDF (288.4 KB)

SMALL CLAIMS COURT ACT

THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT RULES

LEGAL NOTICE 145 OF 2019

Published in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXI—No. 113 on 30 August 2019
Commenced on 30 August 2019

[Amended by Small Claims Court (Amendment) Rules, 2020 (Legal Notice 205 of 2020) on 4 December 2020]
[Revised by 24th Annual Supplement (Legal Notice 221 of 2023) on 31 December 2022]

Part I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short title

These Rules may be cited as the Small Claims Courts Rules.

2. Interpretation

In these Rules unless the context otherwise requires—"Adjudicator" means an adjudicator appointed under section 5 of the Act;"claimant" has the meaning assigned to it under section 2 of the Act;"creditor" means a person to whom a debtor is required to pay a sum of money which the Court finds to be due and payable to them;"Court" means the Small Claims Court established under section 4 of the Act;"debtor" means a person who owes a creditor a sum of money which the Court finds to be due and payable to the creditor;"intermediary" means a person approved by the Court to represent and act on behalf of a person who is under eighteen years of age or of unsound mind in any matter before the Court;"Registrar" means the Registrar of the Small Claims Court appointed under section 8 of the Act; and"respondent" has the meaning assigned to it under section 2 of the Act.

Part II – PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS, RESPONSES, ETC

3. How to file a claim

(1)To commence proceedings under the Act, a person shall complete and file a Statement of Claim in form SCC-1 set out in the First Schedule hereto by presenting it at the court registry and on payment of the prescribed fee.

(2)The claimant shall file the Statement of Claim at the Court nearest to the place where —

(a)the transaction or event to which the claim relates took place; or

(b)the respondent ordinarily resides or carries on business.

(3)A person may file a claim against two or more respondents jointly and severally where the claim against the respondents relates to, or is directly connected with, the matter in respect of which the claim arises.

(4)A claimant who has a claim of more than one million shillings may abandon that part of the claim that is in excess of two hundred thousand shillings.

(5)Where a claimant abandons part of a claim, he or she shall state in the Statement of Claim that the amount in excess of one million shillings has been abandoned.

(6)A claimant who abandons part of a claim shall not subsequently sue for recovery of that part of the claim that has been abandoned, unless the claimant withdraws the entire claim in accordance with rule 14 (1) (c) and subsequently pursues the entire claim in a Magistrates Court.[LN 205 of 2020, r. 2.]

4. Claims by or against minors, or persons of unsound mind

(1)Where a claimant or respondent is a person who is under eighteen years of age or of unsound mind, the Statement of Claim or Response shall expressly state that the claimant or respondent is a minor or person of unsound mind, and is represented by the intermediary named in the Statement of Claim or Response.

(2)The provision of subrule (1) shall apply with the necessary modifications to any other person to whom section 20(1) applies.

(3)In the case of a representative claim, the Statement of Claim shall comply with, among others, the requirements of section 24(a) and (d) of the Act.

5. Claim under section 12 in respect of loss or damage of property

(1)A person claiming compensation under section 12(1)(c) of the Act in respect of a motor vehicle which has been damaged in a road traffic accident or other accident shall attach to the Statement of Claim—

(a)an itemized estimate of the cost of repair prepared by a licenced mechanic or certified motor vehicle assessor; or

(b)an itemised receipt issued in acknowledgement of money paid by the claimant to a licenced mechanic on account of repairs already carried out on the motor vehicle in question.

(2)A person claiming compensation for loss or damage caused to any property, or for the delivery or recovery of movable property, pursuant to section 12(1)(c) of the Act shall attach to the Statement of Claim—

(a)an itemized estimate of the cost of repair prepared by a competent assessor;

(b)an itemized receipt issued in acknowledgement of money paid by the claimant on account of repairs already carried out on the property; or

(c)a copy of any document proving the value of the property sought to be recovered.

(3)A person claiming compensation for personal injuries pursuant to section 12(1)(d) of the Act shall attach to the Statement of Claim—

(a)a medical report from a licenced medical practitioner; and

(b)any receipts in respect of medical expenses incurred on treatment.

6. Claim against the estate of a deceased person

A person making a claim against the estate of a deceased person shall file the claim against the executor of the deceased's will (if any) or the duly appointed legal representative of the deceased's estate, as the case may be.

7. Service of Statement of claim

(1)The claimant shall serve a copy of the Statement of Claim on each of the respondents named in the Statement in the manner prescribed under rule 35.

(2)If the claimant fails to serve a Statement of Claim within six months from the date on which it was filed, the claim shall be deemed as having been abandoned, whereupon it shall stand dismissed.

(3)Despite subrule (2), the claimant may apply to the Court in writing to have his or her claim reinstated giving reasons for failure to serve, and a claim dismissed under subrule (2) may be reinstated under this subrule only once.

(4)Despite subrule (3), the Court shall not reinstate any claim under this Rule in any case where—

(a)the claim relates to an accident which took place more than three years before the date of the application; or

(b)the claim arises from a contract entered into between the claimant and the respondent more than six years before the date of the application.

8. Service out of the Court's jurisdiction

(1)A claimant may serve the Statement of Claim on a respondent outside the local limits of the Court's jurisdiction, with the Court's approval, if the respondent carries on business or ordinarily resides outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court.

(2)Where the claimant is, for reasons shown to the satisfaction of the Court, unable to serve a Statement of Claim personally on the respondent, the claimant may apply to the Court either orally or in writing to—

(a)direct the alternative manner in which the claimant may serve; and

(b)fix the time within which the respondent shall file the response to the claim.

(3)Where the Court directs that the claimant may effect service of the Statement of Claim otherwise than personally on the respondent, the claimant shall serve a copy of the court order together with the Statement of Claim unless—

(a)the Court otherwise directs; or

(b)the Court directs that the notice of the claim be advertised, at the claimant's expense, in at least one newspaper with national circulation.

(4)A person who effects service of any document under this rule is required to file a Certificate of Service in Form SCC 5 set out in the Schedule hereto.

9. Response to statement of claim, etc.

(1)A respondent who is served with a Statement of Claim may—

(a)settle the amount claimed in full by making payment directly to the claimant or by depositing the amount claimed in court, whereupon the claimant shall withdraw the claim;

(b)admit the whole or part of the amount claimed with a proposal on the mode of payment on such terms as the parties may agree or, failing agreement on the proposal, as the Court may direct;

(c)deny the whole or part of the claim, giving reasons for the denial;

(d)claim a set-off or make a counterclaim against the claimant in accordance with rule 13;

(e)apply to join a third party, who the respondent has reason to believe is answerable to the claimant's claim; or

(f)request the Court, in writing, to transfer the proceedings to an alternative court station.

(2)A respondent who has taken any of the actions specified in subrule 1 (b) to (e) shall file his or her response in Form SCC 2 set out in the First Schedule hereto in the court where the Statement of Claim was filed, and within the following period—

(a)in the case of a respondent who carries on business or ordinarily resides within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court, within fourteen days of service the Statement of Claim;

(b)in the case of a respondent who carries on business or ordinarily resides outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court, within thirty days of service of the Statement of Claim; or

(c)within such time as the Court may direct.

10. Admission of claim, set-off, or counterclaim, etc

(1)Where a respondent admits in writing the whole or any part of the claim or by indicating admission in the Response, with or without any proposed settlement, the Court shall enter judgment in favour of the claimant to the extent of the respondent's admission.

(2)subrule (1) applies, with necessary modifications, to admission by the claimant of any set-off or counterclaim in favour of the respondent.

(3)An admission of a claim or counterclaim made in accordance with the Act shall be made in writing or orally before the Court.

(4)Where a party admits a claim, whether wholly or partially, but fails to propose the mode of settlement, the Court may, on hearing the parties—

(a)direct the manner in which the claim shall be settled; and

(b)order execution to enforce its decree.

(5)Where the corresponding party admits only part of the claimant's claim or respondent's counterclaim, the Court shall proceed to hear and determine that part of the claim or counterclaim which is denied.

11. Power of court to enter or set aside default judgment

(1)Where a respondent fails to file a response to the claim within the time specified in these Rules or within such additional time as the Court may have allowed, the Court shall, on the written request of the claimant, enter default judgment and issue a decree in favour of the claimant.

(2)Where a State department or State organ fails to file its response to a claim under the Act, the Court shall enter default judgment in accordance with the Government Proceedings Act or any other written law.

(3)subrule (1) applies, with necessary modifications, to cases where the claimant fails to file a response to a counterclaim.

(4)The Court may set aside a default judgment or any consequential orders given under this rule on the written request of any party that is aggrieved by the decree or order if the Court is satisfied, on evidence given by the applicant, and on hearing the other parties to the proceeding, that—

(a)the default was inadvertent;

(b)the applicant has a valid defence with a probability of success; or

(c)there are sufficient grounds to warrant setting aside the default judgment, decree or order.

(5)Where the Court gives an order setting aside default judgment or other consequential orders, the Court may order payment of reasonable costs incurred by the corresponding parties in the proceedings.

12. Respondent to serve response

(1)A respondent shall serve a copy of his or her Response to the claimant's claim on every person named as a party in the Statement of Claim in accordance with rule 35.

(2)Where the response includes a counter-claim or set-off, the claimant shall file his or her response together with the counterclaim or set-off, as the case may be, within fourteen days of service upon every person named as a party in the Statement of Claim.

(3)For the purposes of this rule, a counterclaim is a claim made by a respondent against a claimant that can be conveniently tried at the same time as the claimant's claim, and includes a set-off.

13. Form of counterclaim and set-off

(1)In addition to his or her response to the claimant's claim, a respondent may make a counterclaim or set-off against a claimant in Form SCC 3 as set out in the First Schedule hereto.

(2)A respondent shall serve his or her Response containing the counterclaim or set-off on the claimant, and on every other party named in the statement of claim in accordance with rule 35.

14. Respondent may abandon part of counterclaim

(1)A respondent who has a counterclaim exceeding two hundred thousand shillings may—

(a)abandon that part of the counterclaim exceeding two hundred thousand shillings;

(b)pursue his or her counterclaim in the proceedings and recover an amount not exceeding two hundred thousand shillings; or

(c)file a separate claim in the Magistrates' Court to recover the whole of the amount counterclaimed.

(2)A respondent who abandons that part of the counterclaim exceeding two hundred thousand shilling shall state in his or her response that the amount in question is abandoned.

(3)A respondent who abandons any part of a counterclaim or set-off in accordance with this rule shall not be entitled to file a subsequent claim in any court to recover the amount stated as abandoned.

15. Claimant to respond to counterclaim or set-off

(1)A claimant who is served with a Response to Claim and Counterclaim may take one or more of the following actions—

(a)settle the amount counterclaimed in full by making payment directly to the respondent or by depositing the amount counterclaimed in court, whereupon the respondent shall withdraw the counterclaim;

(b)admit the whole or part of the amount counterclaimed with or without making a proposal on the mode of payment on such terms as the parties may agree or, failing agreement, as the Court may direct; or

(c)deny the whole or part of the counterclaim, giving reasons for the denial.

(2)A claimant who has taken any of the actions specified in subrule (1) (b) and (c) shall file their response in Form SCC 3 as set out in the First Schedule hereto in the proceedings—

(a)within fourteen days of service upon him or her of the response and counterclaim; or

(b)within such time as the Court may direct.

16. Respondent may join third parties.

(1)Where a respondent who has filed a response reasonably believes that another person (hereinafter referred to as "the third party") is liable to pay all or any part of the claimant's claim, the respondent may make a claim against the third party by filing a Third Party Notice in Form SCC 4 as set out in the First Schedule hereto, and joining the third party in the proceedings, before the date fixed for hearing of the respective claims.

(2)Where the respondent joins a third party in the proceeding under this rule, the respondent shall serve on the third party, and on all persons named in the Statement of Claim, the following documents—

(a)a copy of the Third Party Notice;

(b)a copy of the Statement of Claim;

(c)a copy of the response to the Statement of Claim and counterclaim (if any);

(d)where a date has been fixed for the hearing of the claim, a copy of the Hearing Notice; and

(e)all documents filed in support of the claim, response or counterclaim, as the case may be.

(3)The respondent shall file a Certificate of Service in Form SCC 5 as set out in the First Schedule hereto within fourteen days of service on the third party of the Notice and all documents specified in subrule (2) as proof of service.

(4)Where the third party has filed a response to the Third Party Notice, and to the relevant claim made against him or her, the respondent shall not be required to file a Certificate of Service under subrule (3).

(5)Where a respondent fails to serve on the third party the Third Party Notice in accordance with this rule, the claim against the third party shall be deemed as having been abandoned.

(6)Despite subrule (5), the Court may, on the respondent's request, and on hearing the other parties to the proceeding, direct the time within which the respondent shall serve the Third Party Notice and file the requisite Certificate of Service before the date fixed for hearing of the respective claim.

(7)Rules 9 and 18 apply with necessary modifications to the response by the third party to the Third Party Notice, and to the claims made against the third party.

17. Amendment of Statement of Claim, response or counterclaim

(1)A claimant, respondent or third party, may amend and serve on the other parties to the proceeding the Statement of Claim, response or counterclaim filed with the court, as the case may be, at any time, but not later than seven days before the date fixed for hearing of the claim.

(2)Where hearing has commenced, a party may, with leave of the Court on written application, amend and serve any of the documents referred to in subrule (1) on such terms as the Court may direct.

(3)An application under this rule shall be made by way of a letter accompanied by copies of the document sought to be amended, showing the proposed amendments.

(4)The proposed amendments shall—

(a)be underlined in red;

(b)indicate the date on which the amendment is made; and

(c)be signed by the party making the amendment.

(5)Any party wishing to respond to an amendment under this rule shall file and serve his or her response on all the parties named in the proceeding in the manner prescribed under rule 35 within seven days of being served with the amended document, or within such period as the Court may direct.

18. List of documents to be exchanged before hearing

(1)Where a claim has been scheduled for trial or hearing of an application, each party to the proceeding shall, within seven days of the hearing, file and serve on the other parties a list of the documents which they seek to rely on in support of their claim.

(2)The list referred to in subrule (1) shall be accompanied by copies of the specified documents.

(3)Where a party fails or neglects to file and serve his or her list of documents in accordance with this rule, the Court may—

(a)proceed to hear and determine the application or claim (as the case may be) on its merits despite the default; or

(b)direct that the party in default do file and serve copies of their evidential documents within such time, and on such terms, as the Court may direct.

(4)Nothing in this rule prevents a party from filing and serving on the other parties a supplementary list of evidential documents, including additional documents not previously disclosed or served in accordance with this rule and, in any event, not later than three (3) days before the date fixed for hearing of the claim.

Part III – HEARING, OFFER TO SETTLE, ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS AND DECREES AND APPEALS

19. Hearing Notice and procedure at hearing

(1)The Court shall, at least fourteen days before the date fixed for hearing, notify the parties of the date, time and place of the hearing and determination of the claim.

(2)At the hearing, the Adjudicator may do any one or more of the following things—

(a)adopt and implement any appropriate means of dispute resolution in accordance with section 18(1) of the Act to facilitate the amicable settlement of all or any of the claims;

(b)adopt an alternative dispute resolution mechanism pursuant to section 18(2) of the Act on such terms as the Court may direct;

(c)determine the issues on which the parties are in agreement and those in respect of which the parties are in contention;

(d)enter consent judgment in respect of any claim in the proceeding, or give such orders or directions as the Court may think just;

(e)where necessary, adjourn the hearing and fix an alternative date for the hearing and determination of the claim;

(f)in relation to a claim for compensation arising from damage to property, direct that a party against whom the claim is made be accorded the opportunity to examine the property and file a report in that regard; or

(g)give such other or further orders and directions as the Court may consider necessary for the expeditious determination of the claim, and in accordance with the Guiding Principles set out in section 3 of the Act.

(3)The Adjudicator shall preside over and make a record of the proceedings at the hearing of the claim.

(4)The Court may adjourn and reschedule the hearing to a later date on the request of any party to the proceeding on such terms as the Court may direct, including an order directing the applicant to pay to the other parties such reasonable costs as are occasioned by the adjournment.

(5)The adjournment under subrule (4) shall be in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances which shall be recorded by the Court and be limited to a maximum of three adjournments.[LN 205 of 2020, r. 3.]

20. Procedure in relation to settled claims

(1)Where at the hearing a party alleges that the parties to the claim have settled the whole or any part of the claim, the Court shall proceed to hear the parties, and make a record of its findings in that regard.

(2)Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Court that the claim in issue has been settled either wholly or in part, the Court shall, to that extent, mark the claim as settled.

(3)Where only part of the claim in issue is settled, the Court shall proceed to hear and determine that part of the claim that is denied.

21. Effect of non-attendance at hearing

(1)Where neither the claimant nor the respondent attends on the date fixed for hearing, the Court may dismiss the claim.

(2)Where only the claimant attends, and the Court is satisfied that—

(a)the respondent was duly served with the Hearing Notice, it may proceed to hear and determine the claim;

(b)the respondent was not duly served with the Hearing Notice, it shall direct that a second Hearing Notice be served; or

(c)the Hearing Notice was not served in sufficient time for the respondent to attend, or that the respondent was, for sufficient cause, unable to attend, it shall postpone the hearing to a later date as determined by the Court.

(3)Where only the respondent attends, but does not admit any part of the claim, the Court shall, except for good cause to be recorded in the proceedings, dismiss the claim.

(4)If only the respondent attends and admits any part of the claim, the Court shall give judgment in favour of the claimant on admission and, except for good cause to be recorded in the proceeding, dismiss that part of the claim which is denied.

(5)If only the respondent attends, and has counterclaimed, the Court may proceed to hear and determine the respondent's counterclaim.

(6)The provisions of sub-rules (1) to (5) apply with necessary modifications to claims in which there are more than one claimant or respondent.

22. Effect of settlement agreement

(1)Where the parties to a claim under the Act enter into a settlement agreement, the Court shall issue a decree or order in terms of the agreement.

(2)Where a party fails to comply with the terms of a settlement agreement other than the payment schedule, the Court may, on the written application of the party in favour of whom the decree or order is issued, make such other or further orders as may be just to facilitate execution of the decree or order.

23. Form of hearing and expert report

(1)On the date fixed for hearing of the claim, the Court shall take oral and documentary evidence (if any) adduced by the parties or their witnesses.

(2)The parties or their witnesses shall give oral evidence on oath or affirmation.

(3)Nothing in this rule prohibits a party from introducing a report containing an expert opinion without calling the maker where—

(a)the party seeking to introduce the report in support of their claim or response has filed and served a copy of the report to the other parties at least fourteen days prior to the date set for hearing;

(b)the parties consent to the introduction of the report; or

(c)on hearing the parties, the Court directs that the report be admitted in evidence at the trial without calling the maker.

(4)At the end of the hearing, the Court shall prepare a written record of its decision in final determination of the claims before it and —

(a)pronounce its decision in accordance with section 34(2) of the Act; or

(b)send a copy of its written decision to the parties.

(5)The Adjudicator's decision takes effect from the date on which it is read in court or, if it is sent to the parties, on the date on which it is signed and indicated as having been made.

24. Offer to settle

(1)A party against whom a claim is made under the Act may offer to settle the whole or part of the claim, with or without proposing a payment schedule—

(a)orally at the hearing;

(b)by a written proposal made to the party by whom the claim is made, and filed in court and served on the other parties in the proceeding at any time before the date fixed for hearing; or

(c)in writing addressed to the Court and served on all the parties to the proceeding at any time after the hearing, but before judgement.

(2)Where a party makes an offer to settle in accordance with subrule (1), and the offer is accepted by the party to whom it is made, the Court shall—

(a)record the offer in the terms on which it is made as an order of the Court; and

(b)enter judgment on such terms as the parties may agree.

(3)Where an offer to settle is given, but the parties do not agree, the Court may, upon hearing the parties, direct that the claim be satisfied on the terms of the offer, or on such other terms as the Court may think just.

(4)A party whose claim is satisfied, whether wholly or in part, in accordance with the offer to settle made before the date fixed for hearing of the claim shall notify the Court in writing of the satisfaction, whereupon the claim shall, to the extent of the satisfaction, stand settled.

(5)A party against whom a claim is made, and who has satisfied the claim in accordance with this rule, may notify the Court in writing of the satisfaction, providing documentary proof of such satisfaction.

(6)The Court shall not enter judgment or give any order in respect of a notice given pursuant to subrule (5) unless and until the party in whose favour the satisfaction is made gives written confirmation of such satisfaction:Provided that where no confirmation is given within thirty days of the notice of satisfaction, the claim shall be deemed settled.

(7)This rule applies with necessary modifications to offers made to settle any claim, including claims against third parties, and to any counterclaim or set-off.

25. Procedure for enforcement of orders and decrees

(1)Any order or decree of the Court shall be enforceable in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (sub. leg).

(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subrule (1), a party against whom a decree is issued or order given under the Act may propose—

(a)a payment schedule toward satisfaction of the decree; or

(b)the manner and time within which they propose to comply with the court order.

(3)A payment schedule or proposal given pursuant to subrule (2) may be made—

(a)orally in court; or

(b)in writing, addressed to the party in whose favour it is made, and filed in court.

(4)Where the party in favour of whom the decree is issued or order given accepts the payment schedule or proposal given under this rule, either orally in court or by written notice of such acceptance, the Court shall record the payment schedule or other proposal as an order of the Court.

26. Effect of non-compliance

Where a debtor fails to satisfy the payment schedule or acts in breach of the proposal to comply with a court order given under this rule, the payment is recoverable, and the order is enforceable, in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.

27. Power of Court to order payment by instalments

(1)Where a party in favour of whom a decree has been issued rejects the debtor's proposal to satisfy the decree by instalments, the Court may, on the oral or written application made by the debtor—

(a)hear the parties' corresponding proposals; and

(b)on being satisfied on evidence that the debtor is unable to satisfy the decree in lumpsum, make an order allowing the debtor to satisfy the decree—

(i)in accordance with the payment schedule proposed by the debtor;

(ii)in accordance with the payment schedule proposed by the creditor; or

(iii)by instalments on such terms as the Court may think just.

(2)In determining an application made under this rule, the Court shall consider, among other things—

(a)the debtor's net monthly income;

(b)the aggregate value of the debtor's assets and liabilities;

(c)the aggregate value of the debtor's assets, if any, disposed of by the debtor immediately before or subsequent to the filing of the claim against the debtor with intent to defeat the creditor.

28. Power of Court to stay execution of orders and decrees

(1)Where the Court gives judgment or makes an order in favour of any party to the proceeding, the Court may, on the written request of the party against whom the decree or order is given, stay execution of such decree or order given on such terms as the Court may direct.

(2)An application under subrule (1) may be made orally in court in the presence of all the parties to the proceeding.

(3)The Court may stay execution of a decree or order on a request made pursuant to this rule only where—

(a)the Court is satisfied that there are sufficient grounds to grant the request; or

(b)the parties consent to the stay of execution as requested by the applicant.

(4)Without prejudice to subrule (1) the Court may stay execution of its decree or order—

(a)to allow reasonable time for the party against whom the decree is issued to comply with the decree and settle the claim, or counterclaim, on such terms as the Court may direct; or

(b)to allow reasonable time for the party against whom an order is made to comply with the order on such terms as the Court may direct.

(5)Before making an order under this rule to stay execution of its decree or order, the Court shall hear all the parties to the proceeding.

29. Power to review decree or order

(1)The Court may review any decree passed or order given in proceedings under the Act on the written request of any party aggrieved by such decree or order where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Court that the decree or order sought to be reviewed—

(a)has an error apparent on the face of the record; or

(b)has a clerical or arithmetical mistake.

(2)A request for review of a decree or order under this rule shall be made within three (3) months of the passing of the decree or of the making of the order in issue, and may be made—

(a)orally in court; or

(b)in writing addressed to the Court and served on all parties to the proceedings.

(3)Nothing in this rule prevents the Court, of its own motion, from reviewing and making a correction of any clerical or arithmetical mistake within thirty days of passing the decree or making the order in issue.

30. Appeals

A person aggrieved by the judgment or order of the Court may, pursuant to section 38 of the Act, appeal to the High Court in accordance with Order 42 of the Civil Procedure Rules.

Part IV – GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

31. Court not bound by strict rules of procedure or evidence

In the conduct of any proceedings before it, the Court shall not be bound by the strict rules of procedure or evidence.

32. Technical objection for want of form

No technical objection may be raised to any pleading or document prescribed by these Rules on the ground of any want of form.

33. Power of Court to enlarge or vary time

The Court may extend or shorten a time limit fixed under these Rules or by any order of the Court requiring anything to be done under these Rules, on such terms as the Court thinks just.

34. Power of Court to transfer proceedings

(1)Where a claimant files a claim outside the local limits of the jurisdiction of the Court nearest the respondent's ordinary place of business or residence, or where the transaction or event giving rise to the claim occurred, the respondent may apply to the Court in writing for orders that the proceeding be transferred—

(a)to the court nearest the respondent's place of business, or nearest the place where the respondent ordinarily resides; or

(b)to the court nearest the place where the transaction or event giving rise to the claim took place.

(2)The Court shall not transfer any proceeding on the request of a party under this rule unless—

(a)the party making the request has disclosed reasonable grounds to the satisfaction of the Court to justify the transfer; and

(b)before making its decision, the Court has heard the other parties in response to the request.

(3)Nothing in this rule prevents parties from requesting the Court to transfer any proceeding to any other station of the court by consent of the parties.

35. Mode of service

(1)Service of any document under these Rules shall be made by delivering a copy thereof personally to the party upon whom it is to be served and, where there are more than one party to be served, on each of them.

(2)Wherever it is practicable, service shall be made on each party in person unless they have an agent authorised to accept service, in which case service on the agent personally shall be sufficient.

(3)The person served under this rule is required to endorse an acknowledgment of service on the original document:Provided that, if the Court is satisfied that the party or such agent or other person has refused so to endorse, the Court may declare the document to have been duly served, and a Certificate of Service shall be sufficient proof of service.

(4)Where it is not practicable to effect personal service of a document on a party in accordance with this rule, service may be effected by mail addressed to the party's last known postal address, and a certificate of posting in that regard shall be attached to the Certificate of Service.

(5)Where the respondent is a corporation, the claimant may—

(a)send by registered mail a copy of the document to the registered office of the corporation, and obtain a certificate of posting; or

(b)deliver a copy of the document—

(i)at the registered office of the corporation;

(ii)at the principal place of business of the corporation; or

(iii)to a director, chief officer, manager, Receiver or Liquidator, or Receiver Manager, of the corporation.

(6)The person served pursuant to subrule (6) (b) is required to sign and affix a stamp or seal of the corporation on the original document in acknowledgment of service.

(7)This rule applies with necessary modifications, subject to section 13 of the Government Proceedings Act, to service of documents on the Government for the purpose of, or in connection with, civil proceedings against the Government.

36. Proof of service

Service of a document may be proved by filing in court any or all of the following—

(a)in the case of personal service, a copy of the document duly endorsed in acknowledgment of service;

(b)in the case of service by mail, a copy of the document that was mailed, accompanied by a certificate of posting; or

(c)in the case of service on an agent of the party to be served, a copy of the document duly endorsed in acknowledgment of service.

37. Assessment of costs

In assessing costs recoverable under section 33(1) of the Act, the Court shall be guided by the Second Schedule to these Rules.

FIRST SCHEDULE [rr. 3(1), 9(2), 13(1), 15(2), 16(1), 16(3) & 37(1)]

FORMS

Rule 3		FORM No SCC 1
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT .......................................
CLAIM NO ........................ OF ...........................
A.B. ......................................... CLAIMANT
VERSUS
C.D. ............................................... RESPONDENT

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

1. Claimant's Personal Details:
Name: ........................................................................................................................
Postal Address:............................................................................................................
Physical Address:.............................................................................................................
Telephone Contact:............................................................................................................
Email Address:................................................................................................................
Nature of Business:...........................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village ..........................................................................................................
☐ Claiming in Person ☐ Claiming as a Representative (Please tick where appropriate)
If Claiming as a representative, kindly provide the Personal Details of the person you represent
Name:.........................................................................................................................
Postal Address:...............................................................................................................
Physical Address:.............................................................................................................
Telephone Contact:............................................................................................................
Email Address:................................................................................................................
Nature of Business:...........................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village:.........................................................................................................
Give reasons why you claim as a representative attaching a copy of the written authority (if any)

2. Respondent's Personal Details:
Name:..........................................................................................................................
Postal Address: ...............................................................................................................
Physical Address: .............................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: ............................................................................................................
Email Address: ................................................................................................................
Nature of Business:............................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village ..........................................................................................................
Legal Status of the Respondent (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Individual ☐ Sole Proprietorship ☐ Partnership ☐ Company ☐ Cooperative ☐ State Department
If you need more space for details of addition parties, you can write the back of this page

3. Nature of Claim (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Goods sold and delivered on or about the ............day of ..........20 (give date) to the value of Kshs
☐ Services rendered on or about the ......... day of ........ 20 to the value of Kshs .............................
☐ A Contact relating to money had and received on or about the ....... day of ......... in the sum of Kshs .....................
☐ Compensation for loss or damage to property which occurred on or about the .......... day of ....... 20 valued at Kshs.........
☐ Compensation for personal injury which occurred on or about the ......... day of ....... 20 .......

4. Briefly explain the circumstances under which the claim arose, and attach documents (if any) in support of your claim.

5. What is the Remedy/Relief sought; (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Judgement in the sum of Kshs. ......................... ☐ Compensation (to be determined by the Court)
☐ Costs of the Claim (to be assessed by the Court)
☐ Other appropriate relief (briefly explain)
By filing this Claim, I (the Claimant) hereby waive and forfeit the recovery of all sums in excess of Kshs 200,000, excluding costs and interest.
Name of Claimant Signature of Claimant
Declaration
I declare that the information given above is true
Name of Claimant Signature of Claimant
Dated this............day of ................ 20...........
Acknowledge of Service
I acknowledge service of this Statement of Claim delivered to me, with evidential documents attached, on ..............................
Name of Respondent Signature of Respondent
For Official Use Only
This Claim was filed on the............day of.................. 20.................
Signed ............................................
(Registrar)

Rule 9		FORM No SCC 2
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT .......................................
CLAIM NO ........................ OF ...........................
A.B. ......................................... CLAIMANT
VERSUS
C.D. ............................................... RESPONDENT
RESPONSE TO STATEMENT OF CLAIM
1. Claimant's Personal Details
Name:..................................................................................................................................
Postal Address: .......................................................................................................................
Physical Address: .....................................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: ....................................................................................................................
Email Address: ........................................................................................................................
Nature of Business: .................................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village
2. Respondent's Personal Details
Name: .................................................................................................................................
Physical Address: .....................................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: ....................................................................................................................
Email Address: ........................................................................................................................
Nature of Business: ...................................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village ..................................................................................................................

3. Response to Statement of Claim
In response to the Statement of Claim dated the....... day of........... 20........., the Respondent states as follows: (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ The Respondent does not owe the Claimant any money.
☐ The Respondent owes the Claimant only a portion of the amount claimed in the Statement of Claim amounting to Kshs .................... (state the amount admitted)
☐ The Respondent admits the whole of the Claimants claim.
☐ The Respondent has paid to the Claimant all the sum claimed in the Statement of Claim.
☐ It is the Claimant who owes the Respondent a sum of Kshs ................... on account of ...............(explain the basis on which the Claimant owes the amount stated)
☐ If the response is in denial of the whole or part of the claim. Give reasons why the claim is denied (explain briefly)

4. In addition to the Respondent's response in paragraph three above, the Respondent state's that this claim (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Is filed in the right Court
☐ Is filed in the wrong Court and should be transferred to the Small Claims Court at ..................

5. Counterclaim
Without prejudice to the Respondent's response in paragraphs three and four, the Respondent Counterclaims against the Claimant the sum of Kshs ............. on account of ..........
(state the amount of counterclaim and the grounds on which the counterclaim is based)

6. Set-Off
While admitting the Claimant's claim in the sum of Kshs ..................., the Respondent states they are entitled to a Set-Off in the sum of Kshs ................ on account of .....................
(state the amount sought to be set-off and the reasons for the set-off)

7. Claim against Third Party
The Respondent denies the Claimants claim and states that the person named below ("the Third Party") is liable to the Claimant on the grounds set out in the attached Third Party Notice.
Name of Third Party ..............................................................................................
Postal Address ...................................................................................................
Telephone Contact ................................................................................................
Email Address ....................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village .............................................................................................

8. Remedy/ Relief Sought
The Respondent requests the Court to (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Dismiss the Claimants claim with costs to the Respondents
☐ Enter Judgment in favour of the Claimant against the Respondent in the sum of Kshs ....................
☐ Enter judgment in favour of the Respondent against the Claimant on the Counterclaim/Set off in the sum of Kshs ...................
☐ Enter judgment in favour of the Claimant against the Third-party in the sum of Kshs ...................
Declaration

I declare that the information given above is true
Name of Respondent Signature of Respondent
Dated this......... day of................. 20........
Acknowledge of Service
I acknowledge service of this Response to Statement of Claim delivered to me, with evidential documents attached, on ...........................................
Name of Claimant Signature of Claimant
For Official Use Only
This Response to Statement of Claim was filed on the............day of........... 20....................
Signed .......................................
(Registrar)

Rule 13		FORM No SCC 3
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT .......................................
CLAIM NO ........................ OF ...........................
A.B. ......................................... CLAIMANT
VERSUS
C.D. ............................................... RESPONDENT
RESPONSE TO COUNTERCLAIM/SET OFF
1. Claimant's Personal Details
Name: ....................................................................................................................................
Postal Address: ...........................................................................................................................
Physical Address: ........................................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: .....................................................................................................................
Email Address: ........................................................................................................................
Nature of Business: ...................................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village: ................................................................................................................

2. Respondent's Personal Details
Name: ...............................................................................................................................
Postal Address: .....................................................................................................................
Physical Address: ...................................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: .................................................................................................................
Email Address: .....................................................................................................................
Nature of Business: ................................................................................................................

3. Response to Counterclaim/Setoff
In response to the Counterclaim dated the ......... day of ....... 20 ..........., the Claimant states as follows:
(Please tick where appropriate)
☐ The Claimant does not owe the Respondent any money as claimed in the Counterclaim.
☐ The Claimant owes the Respondent only a portion of the amount Counterclaimed amounting to Kshs ..............(state the amount admitted)
☐ The Claimant admits the whole of the Respondent's Counterclaim and proposes to the pay the amount admitted as follows ................................... (state the proposed terms of payment)
☐ The Claimant paid to the Respondent the whole of the amount claimed in the Counterclaim amounting to Kshs ............. on the day of 20 (attach copies of documents in evidence of payment)
☐ If the Claimant denies the whole or part of the Counterclaim. Give reasons for the denial. (explain briefly)

4. In addition to the Claimant's response in paragraph three above, the Claimant state's that the grounds on which the Respondent's Counterclaim is based fall outside the jurisdiction of this Court (Please explain briefly)

5. Remedy/ Relief Sought
The Claimant requests the Court to (Please tick where appropriate)
☐ Dismiss the Respondent's Counterclaim/Setoff with costs to the Claimant
☐ Enter Judgment in favour of the Claimant against the Respondent in the sum of Kshs ................
Declaration
I declare that the information given above is true
Name of Claimant Signature of Claimant
Dated this....... day of .................... 20..............
Acknowledge of Service
I acknowledge service of this Response to Statement of Claim delivered to me, with evidential documents attached, on .............................................................
Name of Respondent Signature of Respondent
For Official Use Only
This Response to Statement of Claim was filed on the ......... day of ........... 20......
Signed ...........................
(Registrar)

Rule 16		FORM No SCC 4
REPUBLIC OF KENYAIN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT .......................................
CLAIM NO ........................ OF ...........................
A.B. ......................................... CLAIMANT
VERSUS
C.D. ............................................... RESPONDENT
E.F ...............................................THIRD PARTY
THIRD PARTY NOTICE

TO
Name: ................................................................................................................................
Postal Address: ......................................................................................................................
Physical Address: ....................................................................................................................
Telephone Contact: ...................................................................................................................
Email Address: .......................................................................................................................
Nature of Business: ................................................................................................................
Location/Sub/Village: ...............................................................................................................
Take notice that a Claim has been brought by the claimant against the respondent. In it the claimant claims against the Respondent in accordance with the attached Statement of Claim.
The respondent claims against you (here state nature of claim against third party) ) on the grounds that (state the grounds on the Response to Statement of Claim).
And take notice that if you wish to dispute the Claimant's claim against the respondent, or the respondent's claim against you, you must file and serve the Claimant and the Respondent with a response within 14 days after the service of this notice on you, inclusive of the day of service, otherwise you will be taken to admit the claimant's claim against the respondent and the respondent's claim against you and you will be bound by any judgment given in the suit.
Your response shall be in Form No SCC 2 with necessary modifications
Name of Respondent ......................... Signature of Respondent .............................
Acknowledge of Service
I acknowledge service of this Third Party Notice delivered to me, with evidential documents attached, on ...........................
Name of Third Party .............................. Signature of Third Party .............................
Dated this ................. day of .................... 20 ..............
For Official Use Only
This Third Party Notice was filed on the ................ day of .............. 20............
Signed .............................
(Registrar)
/Enc/
(a) A copy of the statement of claim with evidential documents attached.
(b) A copy of the response to the statement of claim with evidential documents attached.
(c) A copy of the notice of settlement conference or hearing of the claim, if any has been issued.

Rule 35		FORM No SCC 5
REPUBLIC OF KENYAIN THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT AT .......................................
CLAIM NO ........................ OF ...........................
A.B. ......................................... CLAIMANTVERSUSC.D. ............................................... RESPONDENT
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I .................................. of P. 0 Box ......................a process server, states as follows:
1. On the ..................... day of ..................., 20 at .................... (indicate the time) I served (indicate the name of the party) at (indicate the name of the place) by tendering a copy of ............(Indicate document served) to him/her and requiring a signature on the original.
(Please tick where appropriate)
He/she ☐ signed ☐ refused to sign the document.
He/she was ☐ personally known to me ☐ was identified to me by ................... (indicate the name) and admitted that he/she was the .................. (indicate the name of the party)
2. Not being able to find the ................... (indicate the name of the party) on the ............ day of ................ 20 at ......................(indicate the time) I served the ................. (indicate the document served) on ........................ (indicate the name) an adult member of the family of the ................ (Indicate the name of the party) who is residing with him/her.
3. Not being able to find the (indicate the name of the party) or any person on whom service could be made, on the ..............day of ...........20 .....at ............(indicate the time), I affixed a copy of the ..............(indicate the document served) to the outer door of the premises in which the ............. resides/carries on business at ................... (indicate name of the premises)
4. Not being able to serve in the manner prescribed above, I sent the ............... (indicate the document served) on the ............. day of .......... 20....... by registered mail to the last known postal of the .......... (indicate name of addressee) and obtained the attached certificate of postage.
5. I declare that the information given above is true
Name ........................................ Signature .....................................
Dated this ..................... day of ............. 20..............

SECOND SCHEDULE [r. 37]

FEES

[LN 205 of 2020, r. 4]

Item			Amount (Kshs.)
1. Filing a claim -
(a) less than Sh. 200,000			200
(b) more than sh. 200,000 but less than Sh. 500,000			400
(c) more than 500,000 but less than Sh. 800,000			600
(d) more than Sh. 800,000 but less than 1,000,000			1,000
2. Filing a counterclaim
(a) less than Sh. 200,000			200
(b) more than sh. 200,000 but less than Sh. 500,000			400
(c) more than 500,000 but less than Sh. 800,000			600
(d) more than Sh. 800,000.00 but less than 1,000,000			1,000
3. Filing all other responses			200
4. Third Party Notice			400
5. Service fee:
(a) Within 2 kilometers			100
(b) Over 2 kilometers and up to 10 kilometers			300
(c) Over 10 kilometers			500
6. For every exhibit produced			10
7. Fees payable to a witness per day			200
8. The fees recoverable on execution of a Decree or Order of the Court			Not exceeding 10% of the aggregate value of the subject matter together with disbursements on account of the fees specified in this Schedule

▲ To the top

History of this document

31 December 2022 this version

Revised by 24th Annual Supplement

04 December 2020

Amended by Small Claims Court (Amendment) Rules, 2020

Read this version

30 August 2019

Published in Kenya Gazette 113

Commenced

Cited documents 1

Legal Notice 1

1.	Small Claims Court (Amendment) Rules, 2020	1 citation

Documents citing this one 1

Judgment 1

1.	Patrick v Nyabuto (Miscellaneous Civil Application E983 of 2023) [2024] KEHC 15203 (KLR) (Civ) (2 December 2024) (Ruling)

The Small Claims Court Rules

Legal Notice 145 of 2019

Related documents

LAWS OF KENYA

SMALL CLAIMS COURT ACT

THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT RULES

LEGAL NOTICE 145 OF 2019

Part I – PRELIMINARY

1. Short title

2. Interpretation

Part II – PRESENTATION OF CLAIMS, RESPONSES, ETC

3. How to file a claim

4. Claims by or against minors, or persons of unsound mind

5. Claim under section 12 in respect of loss or damage of property

6. Claim against the estate of a deceased person

7. Service of Statement of claim

8. Service out of the Court's jurisdiction

9. Response to statement of claim, etc.

10. Admission of claim, set-off, or counterclaim, etc

11. Power of court to enter or set aside default judgment

12. Respondent to serve response

13. Form of counterclaim and set-off

14. Respondent may abandon part of counterclaim

15. Claimant to respond to counterclaim or set-off

16. Respondent may join third parties.

17. Amendment of Statement of Claim, response or counterclaim

18. List of documents to be exchanged before hearing

Part III – HEARING, OFFER TO SETTLE, ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS AND DECREES AND APPEALS

19. Hearing Notice and procedure at hearing

20. Procedure in relation to settled claims

21. Effect of non-attendance at hearing

22. Effect of settlement agreement

23. Form of hearing and expert report

24. Offer to settle

25. Procedure for enforcement of orders and decrees

26. Effect of non-compliance

27. Power of Court to order payment by instalments

28. Power of Court to stay execution of orders and decrees

29. Power to review decree or order

30. Appeals

Part IV – GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

31. Court not bound by strict rules of procedure or evidence

32. Technical objection for want of form

33. Power of Court to enlarge or vary time

34. Power of Court to transfer proceedings

35. Mode of service

36. Proof of service

37. Assessment of costs

FIRST SCHEDULE [rr. 3(1), 9(2), 13(1), 15(2), 16(1), 16(3) & 37(1)]

FORMS

SECOND SCHEDULE [r. 37]

FEES

History of this document

31 December 2022 this version

04 December 2020

30 August 2019

Related documents

Is amended by

Cited documents 1

Legal Notice 1

Documents citing this one 1

Judgment 1