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Your rights as a tenant in Kenya
Most residential tenancies in Kenya are governed by the lease agreement itself, alongside general contract law and, for controlled tenancies, the Rent Restriction Act. A landlord generally cannot lock you out, seize your belongings, or cut off utilities to force you out without a court order — doing so is unlawful even if rent is genuinely owed.
To end a tenancy, the required notice period is normally set out in your lease; where it isn't, statutory minimums apply depending on the tenancy type. Disputes can usually be raised with the Business Premises Rent Tribunal (commercial premises) or through the courts (residential).
Can my employer terminate me without notice?
Under the Employment Act, termination generally requires both a valid reason and a fair procedure — including notice (or pay in lieu) and, for conduct or performance dismissals, a hearing where the employee can respond first.
Summary dismissal without notice is only lawful in narrow circumstances, such as gross misconduct clearly defined by law or contract. Unfair or wrongful termination claims go before the Employment and Labour Relations Court, generally within three years of the dismissal.
How company registration works in Kenya
Registering a company in Kenya is handled through the Business Registration Service (BRS) via eCitizen: reserving a name, preparing incorporation documents, submitting the application, and paying the prescribed fees — after which the Registrar issues a certificate of incorporation.
Most businesses also need a KRA PIN, may need sector-specific licenses, and should think early about a shareholder agreement if there's more than one founder.
A child's rights when in contact with the law
Kenyan law (principally the Children Act) requires that a child's best interests guide any decision made about them, including in criminal or protection proceedings. Children in conflict with the law are generally dealt with separately from adults, through the Children's Court, with an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
A child who is a witness or a survivor is entitled to protective measures in how they give evidence, and to have their identity protected in reporting. Any adult supporting a child through this process should involve a children's officer, the police Gender and Children's desk, or an advocate experienced in this area as early as possible.
Using the Small Claims Court
Kenya's Small Claims Court handles civil claims up to a statutory limit, covering things like debt recovery, contract disputes, and compensation claims. Cases are meant to be resolved within 60 days, and legal representation isn't required, though it's allowed.
Filing is done directly at a Small Claims Court registry with a simple statement of claim.