Small Claims Court in Mombasa: A Path to Justice and Economic Recovery

The Small Claims Court project, spearheaded by Sisters for Justice in collaboration with the Judiciary and other stakeholders, held a critical reflection meeting in Mombasa. The event brought together key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, business leaders, and the media, to review the successes and challenges of the court in enhancing access to justice for small businesses and the community.

The meeting highlighted the court’s significant role in supporting economic resilience amidst Kenya’s current challenges. Stakeholders discussed the project’s impact and explored strategies for its sustainability, emphasizing its potential to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

Image: Neila Abdalla, the Executive Director of Sisters for Justice, addressing the media.

Neila Abdalla, the Executive Director of Sisters for Justice, urged the community to embrace the Small Claims Court as a solution to reducing the backlog of cases in traditional courts. “These courts provide a quicker and cheaper way of resolving disputes, preventing the frustration that often drives people to take matters into their own hands,” Abdalla said. She noted that many individuals have ended up imprisoned due to unresolved small claims disputes.

Statistics from the project reveal that over 3,000 cases have been resolved, recovering millions of shillings for claimants. The court processes cases involving claims of less than one million shillings within approximately 60 days, a stark contrast to the protracted timelines in conventional courts.  

Mary, a lawyer involved in the Small Claim project in Mombasa, encouraged Kenyans to utilize the court to settle disputes amicably. “Since its inception, the Small Claims Court has proven effective in resolving cases, offering a reliable avenue for justice,” she remarked.

Despite its successes, the project faces significant challenges. Abdalla cited low awareness, cultural barriers, and the complexity of court processes as hurdles. She also emphasized the need for greater use of social media and digital platforms to inform the public about the court’s services, particularly as more people shift to the digital space.  

The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance economic resilience in Kenya. By providing businesses with an efficient mechanism to resolve disputes, the court supports the ease of doing business, a critical factor in economic recovery.

The event concluded with calls for increased collaboration between stakeholders to address the challenges and ensure the sustainability of the Small Claims Court. As Abdalla reiterated, “This project is not just about justice—it’s about empowering our communities and fostering economic growth.”