Small Claims Court filings quadruple to 158K as clearance rate hits 98% — CJ Koome

Chief Justice Martha Koome/JUDICIARY

Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a dramatic surge in the number of disputes filed before the Small Claims Court, describing the institution as the fastest-growing and one of the most transformative courts in Kenya’s justice system

Speaking in a recorded address during the 3rd Small Claims Court Symposium on Tuesday, Koome said the judiciary’s latest performance data for the 2024–2025 financial year reflects the court’s profound impact on access to justice.

According to the Judiciary, filings rose sharply to 158,357 cases, up from 41,524 recorded the previous financial year—representing nearly a fourfold increase.

Despite the surge, the court managed to resolve 155,227 cases, posting an impressive 98 per cent case clearance rate, a performance Koome described as a model example of judicial efficiency.

"This court has emerged the fastest growing court in Kenya and one of the most successful example. The judiciary’s performance data for this financial year 2024-20255 testifies to this transformative impact," she said.

She attributed the growth to rising public confidence in a judicial model designed to be simple, affordable, and expeditious.

The Small Claims Court handles civil and commercial disputes whose value does not exceed  Sh1 million, allowing individuals and small businesses to access justice without the complexity and cost associated with higher courts.

Koome said the court has become a critical driver in the Judiciary’s access-to-justice agenda.

“The Small Claims Court has emerged as a key driver of our quest to transform access to justice in our country,” she stated, adding that the institution now serves as a benchmark for effective delivery of justice.

The Small Claims Court was established under the Small Claims Court Act, 2016, but operations beginning in 2021 as part of Judiciary reforms intended to unclog higher courts and provide quick redress for everyday disputes.

Its mandate includes hearing and determining claims relating to contracts, torts, compensation for goods delivered or services rendered, and disputes over movable property valued at Sh1 million or less.

The court is also designed to resolve cases within 60 days, a feature that has contributed significantly to its popularity among traders, suppliers, service providers, and ordinary litigants seeking timely outcomes.

Since its rollout, the Judiciary has expanded Small Claims Court stations across major towns, with plans to cover all counties.

Koome said this expansion has helped absorb the rising caseload and improve service delivery.

As the Judiciary deepens reforms, Koome affirmed that scaling up the Small Claims Court remains a priority, calling it a cornerstone of Kenya’s journey toward a people-centered justice system.