The Small Claims Court project in Mombasa has gained significant success in improving access to justice and empowering the local community and vulnerable groups such as women and small business owners.
This was realised in a meeting organised by Sisters of Justice (S4J) to review the first phase of the project, share insights, and build on the success while addressing existing challenges.
The project has raised awareness about the court operation and provided the mechanism for resolving disputes, minimising cases of members taking matters into their own hands to solve their disputes, and most of them end up committing crimes like killing or hurting the other party instead of bringing them before the Small Claims Court.
Speaking at the Royal Court Hotel Mombasa, Naila Abdallah, Director of the S4J, stated that the meeting aimed at highlighting the court’s role in enhancing justice for the small businesses and the community, particularly amidst the current economic challenges facing Kenya.
She noted that more than three thousand cases have been received and millions of money refunded to the victims with the help of this court.
“The court has directed the complainants 60 days to submit their cases and get registered, and their hearing can take place even without a lawyer,” said Naila Abdallah.
The meeting also served as a platform for discussion of the court’s success in resolving commercial disputes efficiently and cost-effectively, thereby supporting economic resilience. Stakeholders, including representatives from the judiciary, stated their experiences and insights.
Mary Kiroriti, one of the lawyers, confirmed that in a period of three years since the project started, the court has been of great benefit to not only the citizens of Mombasa but also all citizens in Kenya.
She also emphasised that the types of cases presented in the Small Claims Court are civil debt cases and personal injury cases, like road accidents, for seeking compensation from the insurance, and any other cases should be taken to their respective courts.
“One is only allowed to claim an amount less than one million, “she added concerning small court claims.
They urged the community to embrace the court and make good use of it to minimise the congestion in the judiciary’s court.
By Dyan Kwamboka and Mgeni Salim
