Legal information, not legal advice. Every jurisdiction page carries its verification status and sources.

Kenya

Republic of Kenya

Mixed (common law, customary law, Islamic law)Unitary presidential republic with devolved countiesReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Nairobi
Population
55,100,000
Languages
English, Swahili
Currency
KES

Kenya · Courts

Court structure of Kenya

Every tier of the judiciary, what it hears, and where an appeal goes next.

The hierarchy, top to bottom

Supreme — Supreme Court of Kenya
Final appeal; exclusive jurisdiction over presidential election petitions.
Appellate — Court of Appeal
Appeals from the High Court and courts of equal status.
First instance — High Court
Unlimited original jurisdiction, including constitutional petitions.
Specialised — Employment and Labour Relations Court; Environment and Land Court
Equal status to the High Court under articles 162.
Regional — East African Court of Justice (Arusha)
Hears claims about EAC Treaty compliance, including by individuals.

Every court in the hierarchy

Found something out of date on Kenya · Courts?

Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.

Report a correction