Sheria Smart

The Bill of Rights, in plain English.

Chapter Four of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person. Tap any right below to read it in plain English — no legal jargon.

Independent Institutions That Protect Your Rights

Kenya's Constitution established several independent commissions whose job is to protect your rights without you ever having to go to court. If your matter falls under any of them, contacting the relevant body is often faster and cheaper than litigation.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Investigates violations of your constitutional rights and can summon public officials to account. Start here if a government body or officer violated your rights. National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Handles complaints on gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and inequality in employment, education, or public services. Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ / Ombudsman) If a government office or public officer treated you unfairly, delayed your documents, or acted improperly, the Ombudsman can investigate and direct remedies — at no cost to you. National Land Commission (NLC) Land disputes involving public land, historical injustices, or compulsory acquisition. The NLC can investigate and recommend resolution without court proceedings. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Report bribery demands, corrupt officials, or abuse of office. Complaints can be made anonymously.

These institutions are constitutional, independent, and free to access. In many cases they are the right first stop — before court, and before an advocate.

Document drafts to get you started.

Important Disclaimer

These templates are document resources intended as self help starting points. They do not replace, and should never be treated as a substitute for, your right to obtain independent legal counsel or representation. Every template here should be reviewed by a qualified LSK advocate before you sign, serve, file, or otherwise rely on it. Sheria Smart does not take instructions for reward and does not practise law within the meaning of the Advocates Act, Cap 16.

Tenancy

Notice to Vacate

Structured 30 day notice for tenants under the Rent Restriction Act and the Landlord and Tenant (Shops, Hotels and Catering Establishments) Act.

Fill in and download →

Employment

Demand Letter to Employer

For unpaid wages, terminal dues, or breach of contract under the Employment Act 2007.

Fill in and download →

Small Claims

Statement of Claim (KES 1M and below)

Per the Small Claims Court Act 2016. Filing fee and next steps included.

Fill in and download →

Consumer

Complaint to Competition Authority

For defective goods and misleading trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act 2012.

Fill in and download →

Affidavit

General Affidavit of Facts

Sworn statement before a Commissioner for Oaths. Use as a starting structure.

Fill in and download →

Family

Parenting Plan Draft

Joint parenting, access, and maintenance terms under the Children Act 2022.

Fill in and download →

Authority

General Power of Attorney

Appoint a trusted person to act on your behalf for specified matters under the Registration of Documents Act.

Fill in and download →

Succession

Simple Will

Direct distribution of your estate, executor appointment, and attestation per the Law of Succession Act, Cap 160.

Fill in and download →

Debt

Acknowledgement of Debt

Written admission of a debt with repayment schedule and default terms. Protects both parties.

Fill in and download →

Travel

Consent for Minor to Travel

Both parents' written consent for a child travelling without one or both parents. Required by immigration authorities.

Fill in and download →

Employment

Resignation Letter

Professional resignation with proper notice period per the Employment Act 2007.

Fill in and download →

Partnership

Memorandum of Understanding

Cooperation framework between organisations, NGOs, schools, or businesses. Sets out purpose, contributions, and boundaries of the partnership.

Fill in and download →

Authority

General Power of Attorney

Appoint another person to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters under the Powers of Attorney Act, Cap 2.

Fill in and download →

Succession

Simple Will

Basic testamentary disposition under the Law of Succession Act, Cap 160. Two witnesses required for validity.

Fill in and download →

Loan

Loan Agreement

Private loan between individuals with repayment schedule, interest, and default provisions.

Fill in and download →

Fill in the fields below. The document you generate is a self help starting draft only, not legal advice. Review it with a qualified LSK advocate before filing or using it.

Connect with a qualified LSK advocate.

Every practising advocate in Kenya is on the Law Society of Kenya roll. Verify any advocate directly on the LSK website before engaging them.

Official Directory

Law Society of Kenya

Search the official LSK roll by name, practice area, or location. Every listed advocate holds a current practising certificate and is a member in good standing.

Open lsk.or.ke → Verify

Verify an Advocate

Before engaging anyone calling themselves an advocate, confirm their name on the LSK roll. Unregistered persons holding themselves out as advocates commit an offence under the Advocates Act, Cap 16.

Check the roll → Pro Bono

LSK Public Interest Legal Aid

For matters of public interest or genuine hardship, request pro bono representation through the LSK Committee on Public Interest Legal Aid and Human Rights.

Apply for pro bono →

Need help choosing?

Tell us about your matter and we will send you a shortlist of three LSK advocates who handle your area of practice, in your preferred location. Free service, no referral fee.

Your name*

Your phone*

Your email*

Area of practice*

Preferred location*

Brief description of the matter*

What to include — and what to leave out Keep it general at this stage. For example: "Employment termination dispute — need to know my rights" or "Tenant being locked out — want advice on options."

Leave out ID numbers, bank details, or medical information. If you are already working with another advocate on this matter, do not share what passed between you — that communication is protected by professional privilege and should not be disclosed here. Full confidential details come later, directly with the advocate you choose.

What to include — and what to leave out ✓ The general nature of your matter (landlord dispute, employment issue, contract problem)
✓ The type of outcome you are looking for (advice, representation, a second opinion)
✗ Do not include sensitive personal details such as ID numbers, financial account information, or medical records
✗ Do not share communications you have already had with another advocate — those may be covered by professional privilege
✗ Do not name third parties in detail until you are in a private consultation with your chosen advocate

Sheria Smart is not a law firm, does not represent you, does not vet advocates, and does not appear in any forum on your behalf. The link is to the public LSK advocate directory. You engage the advocate directly and any advocate client relationship is between you and them.

When you cannot afford an advocate.

These Kenyan organisations provide free legal assistance and human rights support. Every listing here is a verified public resource. Sheria Smart is not affiliated with these organisations and does not receive any referral fee.

Women and Children

FIDA Kenya

The Federation of Women Lawyers, Kenya. Established 1985. Over 1,400 women advocates providing free legal aid to women and children on matters of custody and maintenance, matrimonial disputes, gender based violence, employment discrimination, and sexual violence. More than three million women served to date.

fidakenya.org →

Human Rights

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

Independent national human rights institution established under Article 59 of the Constitution. Investigates complaints of human rights violations, monitors government compliance, and provides redress where rights have been violated. File a complaint directly on their website or by email to haki@knchr.org.

knchr.org →

+254 20 2717908 · haki@knchr.org

Legal Advice

Kituo Cha Sheria

The oldest legal aid organisation in Kenya, founded 1973. Provides free legal advice, court representation, and legal education to the poor and marginalised. Operates the M Haki SMS service for instant legal guidance in English and Kiswahili. Also runs a dedicated Forced Migration Programme for refugees and asylum seekers.

kituochasheria.or.ke →

SMS M Haki: 0700 777 333 · +254 20 3874191

Rights Advocacy

Kenya Human Rights Commission

Non governmental human rights organisation founded 1992. Handles reports of discrimination, torture, extrajudicial killings, and other violations. Runs litigation, advocacy, and community legal empowerment programmes across the country.

khrc.or.ke →

+254 20 2044545 · +254 722 264497

Pro Bono

LSK Public Interest Legal Aid

The Law Society of Kenya maintains a pro bono directory of advocates who accept matters of public interest or hardship at no fee. The LSK Committee on Public Interest Legal Aid and Human Rights coordinates requests. Suitable for complex matters requiring a qualified advocate when cost is a barrier.

lsk.or.ke →

Tip. These organisations have waiting lists and eligibility requirements. For urgent matters involving imminent harm, contact the police on 999 or 112, or the Kenya Red Cross on 1199.

Choose your plan.

Subscriptions renew monthly. Cancel any time. Prices shown in USD — Kenyan shilling equivalent displayed at checkout. Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay accepted including cards issued by Kenyan banks.

Premium

KES 645 /month (~$5.00)

50 LexAI legal information questions each month
5 self help document template downloads
Full Bill of Rights library
Legal library statute and case lookup
Email support within 48 hours

1. Acceptance of these terms

By using Sheria Smart, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the service.

2. Nature of the service

Sheria Smart provides legal information, constitutional rights education, self help document templates, and a directory of qualified Law Society of Kenya advocates. All content is provided for general information and educational purposes only.

LexAI, our AI legal information assistant, shares legal information. LexAI does not give legal advice, does not act as your advocate, and does not create an advocate client relationship. LexAI cites the relevant statute in every response.

Document templates on Sheria Smart are self help starting points informed by Kenyan law. They are not prepared within the meaning of the Advocates Act. You must review every template with a qualified advocate before filing or using it in any legal proceeding.

3. No advocate client relationship

Your use of Sheria Smart does not create an advocate client relationship between you and Sheria Smart, between you and any advocate listed in our directory, or between you and any of our contributors. An advocate client relationship with a listed advocate is formed only when you directly engage that advocate through their own practice and they confirm representation in writing.

4. Your responsibilities

You must provide accurate information when you use the service.
You must not use the service for any unlawful purpose.
You must not attempt to extract or reverse engineer any part of the service.
You are responsible for the consequences of any action you take based on information obtained from Sheria Smart.

5. Payments

Some features of Sheria Smart are paid. Payment is processed through a licensed third party payment processor. By making a payment, you agree to the terms of the relevant payment processor. Sheria Smart does not store your card credentials.

Refunds, where applicable, are processed within seven business days. Refund eligibility depends on the specific feature purchased.

6. Intellectual property

All content on Sheria Smart, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Sheria Smart or its licensors. You may view and download content for your personal, non commercial use. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without written permission.

7. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sheria Smart and its operators are not liable for any loss arising from your use of the service or reliance on the information provided. The service is provided on an as is basis. You bear full responsibility for your decisions and actions.

8. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Any dispute arising from these Terms or your use of Sheria Smart shall be resolved in the courts of Kenya, in the first instance through mediation in accordance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution provisions of Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

9. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available in the app with the date of the last update at the top.

10. Contact

Questions about these Terms may be directed to legal@sheriasmart.co.ke.

We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights under the Data Protection Act 2019 of Kenya.

1. Information we collect

Sheria Smart collects only what we need to run the service:

Account information. When you create an account, we collect your name, phone number, and email address.
Usage information. We record the features you use, questions you ask LexAI, and documents you download so we can improve the service.
Payment information. Payments are processed by a licensed third party payment processor. We receive confirmation of payment but do not store your card number or CVV.
Device information. We collect your device type, operating system, and IP address for security and analytics.

2. How we use your information

To provide and improve the service
To respond to your questions and provide support
To process your payments
To send you service updates when relevant
To comply with our legal obligations

3. Sharing your information

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

Service providers that help us run Sheria Smart (hosting, analytics, payment processing), under strict confidentiality
Advocates you choose to contact through our directory, and only the information you explicitly share with them
Law enforcement or regulators when required by Kenyan law

4. Data security

We use industry standard security measures to protect your information, including encryption in transit, access controls, and regular security reviews. No system is completely secure, but we work hard to keep your data safe.

5. Your rights under the Data Protection Act 2019

The right to be informed about what data we hold
The right to access your data
The right to correct inaccurate data
The right to delete your data
The right to object to how we use your data
The right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@sheriasmart.co.ke.

6. Retention

We keep your information for as long as your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward, as required by law and our legitimate business needs. You may request deletion at any time.

7. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available in the app with the date of the last update at the top.

8. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy may be directed to privacy@sheriasmart.co.ke.

Your constitutional right

You can represent yourself in many Kenyan courts and tribunals.

Article 50(1) of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan a fair hearing. Section 20 of the Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2016, expressly permits a party to appear and conduct their own case. Many tribunals and ADR forums permit it too. This toolkit gives you the law, the procedure, and the tools to act on your rights where the law allows, and tells you honestly when an advocate is the better call.

The four laws that let you act on your own

Article 50(1), Constitution of Kenya 2010

Every person has the right to have any dispute decided in a fair and public hearing before a court or independent tribunal. The Constitution does not require an advocate as a condition of that right.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Source

Article 50(2)(g), Constitution of Kenya 2010

An accused person has the right to choose to be represented by an advocate and to be informed of this right promptly. The right to choose necessarily includes the right to decline representation and appear in person.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Source

Section 20, Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2016

A party may appear in person or through a duly authorised representative who need not be a legal practitioner. This is the clearest statutory endorsement of self representation in Kenyan law, up to KES 1,000,000 in civil claims.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Source

Article 159(2)(c), Constitution of Kenya 2010

Courts shall be guided by the principle that alternative forms of dispute resolution, including reconciliation, mediation, arbitration, and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, shall be promoted. These forums do not require an advocate.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Source

The line you must not cross

The Advocates Act, Cap 16, reserves certain activities to qualified advocates. You can represent yourself, but you cannot:

Hold yourself out as an advocate when you are not one (Section 33)
Act as an advocate for another person for reward (Section 31)
Prepare, for reward, conveyances, company formation documents, partnership agreements, or other instruments reserved by Section 34 to advocates
Sign instruments without endorsing your own name and address (Section 35)

Preparing a document for your own use, without reward, is lawful. Having an advocate review before filing is always the safer course.

Small Claims Court

Expressly permitted

Authority: Section 20, Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2016

Claim limit: KES 1,000,000

Timeline: 60 days to final determination

Languages: English, Kiswahili, or indigenous languages

The clearest forum for self representation. Designed from the ground up for ordinary Kenyans. Strict rules of evidence do not apply. Typical matters: unpaid invoices, rent deposit refund, faulty goods, breach of contract.

Last verified: 1 May 2026

Rent Restriction Tribunal

Permitted

Authority: Rent Restriction Act, Cap 296

Scope: Controlled tenancies only

Languages: English, Kiswahili

For disputes over rent increases, recovery of possession, and standard rent determination for controlled tenancies. You lodge your application with the Tribunal Secretariat.

Last verified: 1 May 2026

Business Premises Rent Tribunal

Permitted

Authority: Landlord and Tenant (Shops, Hotels and Catering Establishments) Act, Cap 301

Scope: Controlled business tenancies

For shop and business premises tenancy disputes, termination notices, and rent review.

Last verified: 1 May 2026

Court Annexed Mediation & ADR

Expressly supported

Authority: Article 159(2)(c), Constitution; Civil Procedure Act s. 59

Scope: Any matter suitable for mediation

Timeline: 30 to 90 days

Mediation is non adversarial and consensual. Ask the court to refer your matter to mediation, or engage an accredited mediator directly.

Last verified: 1 May 2026

Magistrate's Court

Permitted with caution

Authority: Article 50(1), Constitution; Civil Procedure Act, Cap 21

Scope: Civil claims beyond Small Claims Court jurisdiction, traffic offences, minor criminal matters

Self representation is lawful in any court. However, Magistrate's Court proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Rules 2010, which are more technical. Strongly consider engaging an advocate if the stakes exceed KES 500,000, the other side has counsel, or the law is contested.

Last verified: 1 May 2026

Small Claims Court, step by step

Small Claims Court Act 2016 and Small Claims Court Rules 2019. From filing to judgment, typically 60 days.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Source

Confirm jurisdiction

Your claim must be civil, valued at KES 1,000,000 or less, and fall within Section 12(1) of the Act. Most commonly: breach of contract, unpaid goods or services, small tort claims, recovery of movable property. Employment, land, and family matters are not in scope.

Identify the correct court station

File at the Small Claims Court nearest to where the respondent lives, works, or where the transaction happened. Check the Judiciary of Kenya website for current court stations.

Prepare the Statement of Claim (Form SCC 1)

Set out briefly the facts, the amount claimed, and the relief sought. Attach copies of contracts, invoices, receipts, or correspondence. Sign the form. Under Section 20, you do not need an advocate to sign.

Use the Sheria Smart template →

File and pay the filing fee

Take the Statement of Claim to the court registry. Pay at the cashier. Filing fees start around KES 1,000. Keep the receipt.

Serve the Statement of Claim

The respondent must receive a copy. Service may be personal, by post, or on an agent. Complete Form SCC 5 (Affidavit of Service) and file it at court as proof.

Receive the respondent's response

The respondent has 14 days to file Form SCC 2 (Response to Claim) after service. If no response within time, apply for default judgment.

Attend the hearing

The Adjudicator schedules the matter quickly. Bring originals of every document, a clear timeline, and any witnesses. Address the Adjudicator as "Your Honour." Speak clearly, stick to facts.

Judgment and enforcement

The Adjudicator delivers judgment the same day or within days. If you win and the other side does not pay, file for execution under the Civil Procedure Rules. Warrants of attachment or garnishment may follow.

What to bring on hearing day

Original contracts, invoices, receipts, and correspondence
National Identity Card or passport
Proof of demand letter sent to the respondent
Any photographs or physical evidence
List of witnesses and their contact details
A clear written timeline of events
Your filing receipt from step 4

Courtroom etiquette

Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Dress respectfully. Smart casual is fine. Avoid hats, sunglasses, torn clothing
Stand when the Adjudicator enters or exits
Address the Adjudicator as "Your Honour"
Do not interrupt. Wait your turn to speak
Answer questions directly. Do not argue with the respondent
Keep your phone on silent or off
Stick to facts. Avoid emotional appeals

Every citation below links to the primary source on kenyalaw.org. Every entry carries a Sheria Smart verification date. Content is reviewed quarterly against the Kenya Gazette.

Constitution of Kenya, 2010

The supreme law. Contains the Bill of Rights in Chapter Four, Articles 19 to 59.

Article 48, Access to justice
Article 50(1), Right to fair hearing
Article 50(2)(g), Right to choose representation
Article 50(2)(h), State appointed counsel where substantial injustice would result
Article 159(2)(c), Alternative dispute resolution

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2016

Establishes the Small Claims Court. Designed for civil and commercial disputes up to KES 1,000,000 in a simple, informal, cost effective manner.

Section 4, Establishment
Section 12, Jurisdiction (KES 1,000,000 limit)
Section 20, Representation: party may appear in person or by representative
Section 32, Exclusion of strict rules of evidence
Section 34, Expeditious disposal (60 days)
Section 38, Appeals to the High Court on matters of law only

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

Advocates Act, Cap 16 (Laws of Kenya)

Regulates the legal profession. Defines who is qualified to act as an advocate and what activities are reserved to advocates.

Section 9, Qualifications for practising
Section 31, Unqualified person not to act as advocate
Section 33, Pretending to be an advocate is an offence
Section 34, Reserved instruments
Section 35, Endorsement requirement
Section 40, No costs recoverable for unqualified work

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

Legal Aid Act, No. 6 of 2016

Establishes the National Legal Aid Service. Operationalises the right to State counsel under Article 50(2)(h).

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

Civil Procedure Act, Cap 21 & Rules 2010

Governs civil proceedings in all courts of general jurisdiction. The Civil Procedure Rules 2010 contain Order 42 on appeals.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 75

Governs procedure in criminal cases. Section 211(1) requires the court to explain defence rights to an unrepresented accused.

Last verified: 1 May 2026 · Read full text →

How Sheria Smart keeps this current

Every entry carries a source URL on kenyalaw.org, the date the Sheria Smart editorial team last verified the text against that source, and any amendment history known at verification. Changes to Kenyan statutes published in the Kenya Gazette are reviewed quarterly by the editorial team and updates are pushed within two weeks of gazettement. Users who notice an apparent discrepancy may email legal@sheriasmart.co.ke with the citation and the suspected amendment.

Next scheduled review: 19 July 2026

Self representation works well for small claims, simple tenancy disputes, clear consumer matters, and many tribunal proceedings. It becomes risky in the scenarios below. Engaging a qualified advocate here is an investment, not an expense.

Stakes

Claim value exceeds KES 500,000, or the matter could affect your home, your business, or your family's long term welfare.

Complexity

Multiple parties, conflicting contracts, foreign elements, or complex factual disputes.

Opposing counsel

The other side has engaged an advocate, especially a senior one. Equality of arms matters.

Criminal charges

You are charged with a criminal offence carrying a custodial sentence. Article 50(2)(h) may entitle you to State counsel if substantial injustice would otherwise result.

Land matters

Title disputes, boundary disputes, succession involving land, compulsory acquisition. Technically complex and high stakes.

Constitutional petitions

Article 22 petitions alleging infringement of a right are filed in the High Court and require technical drafting.

Appeals

Appellate practice has specialised rules. Grounds of appeal are technical and strict timelines apply.

Reserved instruments

Conveyances, company formation, certain partnership agreements. Section 34 of the Advocates Act requires an advocate.

How to find the right advocate

Use the Find an Advocate tile to access the public LSK advocate directory. Kituo cha Sheria and FIDA Kenya offer free legal services for the indigent. The National Legal Aid Service may appoint counsel in criminal matters.

Know your rights.Act on them.

Karibu. I am LexAI.

The Bill of Rights, in plain English.

Document drafts to get you started.

Notice to Vacate

Demand Letter to Employer

Statement of Claim (KES 1M and below)

Complaint to Competition Authority

General Affidavit of Facts

Parenting Plan Draft

General Power of Attorney

Simple Will

Acknowledgement of Debt

Consent for Minor to Travel

Resignation Letter

Memorandum of Understanding

General Power of Attorney

Simple Will

Loan Agreement

Connect with a qualified LSK advocate.

Law Society of Kenya

Verify an Advocate

LSK Public Interest Legal Aid

Need help choosing?

Kenya's law at your fingertips.

Constitution of Kenya, 2010

Laws of Kenya

Kenya Law Reports

Kenya Gazette

Judiciary of Kenya

Parliament of Kenya

Office of the Attorney General

Public Trustee (Administrator General)

Attorney General Online Services

Ardhisasa · Ministry of Lands

eCitizen

Nairobi Securities Exchange

Capital Markets Authority

Central Bank of Kenya

Civil Procedure Act, Cap. 21 and Rules

Criminal Procedure Code, Cap. 75

Evidence Act, Cap. 80

Small Claims Court Act, No. 2 of 2016

Advocates Act, Cap. 16

Employment Act, 2007 and Labour Relations Act, 2007

Land Act, 2012 and Land Registration Act, 2012

Marriage Act, 2014 and Matrimonial Property Act, 2013

Law of Succession Act, Cap. 160

Data Protection Act, Cap. 411C

Limitation of Actions Act, Cap. 22

Legal Aid Act, No. 6 of 2016

Law Society of Kenya

National Legal Aid Service

Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community

East African Court of Justice

When you cannot afford an advocate.

FIDA Kenya

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

Kituo Cha Sheria

Kenya Human Rights Commission

LSK Public Interest Legal Aid

Choose your plan.

1. Acceptance of these terms

2. Nature of the service

3. No advocate client relationship

4. Your responsibilities

5. Payments

6. Intellectual property

7. Limitation of liability

8. Governing law

9. Changes to these Terms

10. Contact

1. Information we collect

2. How we use your information

3. Sharing your information

4. Data security

5. Your rights under the Data Protection Act 2019

6. Retention

7. Changes to this policy

8. Contact

Know your rights.
Act on them.