In Kenya, tribunals are an integral part of the judicial system, offering specialized platforms for resolving disputes quickly, affordably, and flexibly. These tribunals are subordinate courts established by Acts of Parliament and are crucial in handling disputes that arise in various sectors, such as business, environment, education, and more. They serve as an alternative to the conventional courts, providing a more efficient avenue for resolving specific issues.
Tribunals in Kenya are primarily administered by the Judiciary, through the Office of the Registrar, Tribunals. Currently, there are over 38 tribunals in Kenya, each with its specific mandate to address unique disputes. Below is a comprehensive list of the best-known judiciary tribunals in Kenya and their functions.
List of Judiciary Tribunals in Kenya and Their Functions
| Name | Mandate |
|---|---|
| 1. Business Premises Rent Tribunal | Resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants in controlled tenancies for shops, hotels, and catering establishments. |
| 2. Communication & Multimedia Appeals Tribunal | Appeals against decisions of the Media Council of Kenya or the Communications Authority of Kenya, complaints against publications by journalists or media houses, complaints against actions taken against journalists or media houses. |
| 3. Competition Tribunal | Appeals against decisions of the Competition Authority. |
| 4. Co-operatives Tribunal | Hears disputes concerning the business of a Co-operative Society. |
| 5. Copyright Tribunal | Disputes over registration of copyright and appeals against decisions of the Copyright Board. |
| 6. Education Appeals Tribunal | Appeals against decisions of the County Education Board. |
| 7. Energy and Petroleum Tribunal | Appeals against decisions of the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority and other disputes arising out of the Energy Act. |
| 8. Financial Center Tribunal | Hears and determines appeals against decisions or orders of the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority. |
| 9. HIV & Aids Tribunal | Hears and determines complaints arising from any breach of the provisions of the HIV and Aids Prevention & Control Act. |
| 10. Industrial Property Tribunal | Determines appeals from the decisions of the Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute. |
| 11. Land Acquisition Tribunal | Hears and determines appeals from the decision of the National Land Commission in matters relating to the compulsory acquisition of land. |
| 12. Legal Education Appeals Tribunal | Appeals from decisions of the Council of Legal Education. |
| 13. Micro & Small Enterprises Tribunal | Hears and determines disputes among members of Micro and Small Enterprises, and disputes between the Micro and Small Enterprises’ Authority and Associations. |
| 14. National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal | Appeals from decisions of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. |
| 15. National Environment Tribunal | Hears appeals regarding the refusal of a licence, imposition of conditions, revocation, suspension, or variation of licences, or imposition of an environmental restoration or improvement order. |
| 16. Political Parties Disputes Tribunal | Hears disputes among members of political parties and appeals from decisions of the Registrar of Political Parties. |
| 17. Public Private Partnerships Petitions Committee | Considers all petitions and complaints submitted by a private party during the tendering process and entering into a PPP project. |
| 18. Rent Restriction Tribunals | Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants. |
| 19. Sports Disputes Tribunal | Determines appeals against decisions made by national sports organizations or umbrella national sports organizations, sports-related disputes, and appeals from decisions of the Sports Registrar. |
| 20. Standards Tribunal | Appeals against decisions of the Minister, the National Standards Council, or the Kenya Bureau of Standards. |
| 21. Tax Appeals Tribunal | Hears appeals filed against any tax decision made by the Commissioner. |
| 22. Transport Licensing Appeal Board | Considers appeals from the decisions of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). |
| 23. Water Appeals Board | Hears and determines appeals from decisions or orders of the Cabinet Secretary, the Water Resources Authority, the Water Services Regulatory Board, or any authorized person. |
Registrar Tribunals Contacts
For inquiries or assistance related to the judiciary tribunals in Kenya, you can contact the Registrar’s office.
Phone: 0792 429 713
Email: [email protected]