Civil Procedure Code at Kenya
Kenya's civil litigation is governed by the Civil Procedure Act (Cap. 21) and the Civil Procedure Rules (2010), which provide a comprehensive framework for the conduct of civil proceedings in the country's courts.
📘 Civil Procedure Act (Cap. 21)
The Civil Procedure Act, enacted in 1924, is the primary statute that outlines the procedures for civil litigation in Kenya. It covers various aspects of civil proceedings, including:
Jurisdiction of Courts: Defines the authority of different courts to hear and determine civil matters.
Institution of Suits: Specifies how and where civil suits should be initiated.
Pleadings and Parties: Addresses the requirements for pleadings and the parties involved in a suit.
Service of Summons: Outlines the methods of serving legal documents to parties.
Judgments and Decrees: Provides guidelines on the delivery and enforcement of judgments.
Appeals: Details the procedures for appealing decisions.
Execution of Decrees: Covers the enforcement of court orders and decrees.
The Act has been amended several times to address evolving legal needs and to harmonize with constitutional and statutory reforms. The latest consolidated version, as of December 31, 2022, is available on the
📑 Civil Procedure Rules (2010)
The Civil Procedure Rules, established under the Civil Procedure Act, provide detailed procedural guidelines to supplement the Act. These rules are organized into various orders and rules that address specific aspects of civil litigation, such as:
Order 3: Registration of Civil Suits and Filing
Order 4: Plaint
Order 5: Issue and Service of Summons
Order 6: Appearance of Parties
Order 7: Defence and Counterclaim
Order 21: Judgments and Decrees
These rules are designed to ensure that civil proceedings are conducted efficiently, fairly, and in accordance with the law. The full text of the Civil Procedure Rules is accessible on the
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