The small claims court have resolved over 50,000 cases in last three years, according to a statement released on Tuesday, February 13, by Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome.
The CJ while giving her remarks during the opening address at the small claims courts (SCCs) annual symposium 2024, said the courts have played a pivotal role in promoting access to justice through social transformation.
“In the last three three years, the court has extended its footprint in the country and is now operational in thirty-three 33 Counties with 37 functional registries established,” Koome said.
“As of last week, we had 61,269 cases filed since the rollout of SCC Courts. In addition, and worth celebrating is that 50,666 of these cases have been resolved,” she added.
Koome said that since the the courts began operations in 2021, about 81 adjudicators have been designated to preside over the 37 SCCs to facilitate access to justice.
The CJ added that that creation of the small claims courts across the country has also led to the release of some Sh9.3 billion back to the Kenyan economy, boosting ease of doing business.
“Since its inception, the Small Claims Court across the country has been able to release Sh. 9.3 billion back to the Kenyan economy. These statistics show that Small Claims Courts are, indeed, engines for economic development,” she said.
Koome said that the expansion of the courts has enabled the judiciary to bring accelerated justice closer to the citizens.
“It is notable that as of January 31, 2024, a significant number of women, totaling 7,439, have utilized Small Claims Courts to file cases,” she said.
The CJ also said that the courts have become more instrumental for Kenyan women, particularly those who run small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including salons, catering services, vegetable stalls, and savings groups.
Koome said that the SCCs will help minimize barriers hindering easy access of justice for the vulnerable and marginalized communities.
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