Chief Justice Martha Koome has directed that personal injury claims from road accidents be moved from Small Claims Courts to Magistrates' Courts across Kenya.
The move, announced in a gazette notice, aims to improve efficiency and access to justice amid a high volume of such cases in the Small Claims system.
Koome stated on Saturday, May 9, that the guidelines will enhance clarity for all Kenyans. All transferred matters will continue from their current stage, with existing orders remaining valid.
Magistrates' Courts will handle the cases on a priority basis. Adjudicators from Small Claims Courts may continue presiding in their new roles as magistrates.
For judgments issued before January 22, 2026, decrees can be extracted at either court. The receiving courts will provide typed proceedings where needed to maintain continuity.
