Kenya’s legal landscape is vast and encompasses numerous sectors, many of which are governed by specialized tribunals. Judiciary tribunals in Kenya are key to resolving disputes quickly and affordably. These tribunals operate as subordinate courts, established by Acts of Parliament to provide citizens with a platform to settle disputes involving both private individuals and government institutions.
There are more than 38 judiciary tribunals in Kenya, and 23 of these are administered directly by the Judiciary through the Office of the Registrar, Tribunals. They are favored for their efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility, making them an essential part of Kenya’s legal system.
Below is a comprehensive list of judiciary tribunals in Kenya and their respective mandates.
1. Business Premises Rent Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in controlled tenancies, especially in shops, hotels, and catering establishments.
2. Communication & Multimedia Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions by the Media Council of Kenya or the Communications Authority of Kenya. It also addresses complaints against journalists, media houses, or their publications.
3. Competition Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals against decisions made by the Competition Authority of Kenya, ensuring fair competition practices.
4. Co-operatives Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes concerning the business and operations of Co-operative Societies.
5. Copyright Tribunal
- Mandate: Deals with disputes over copyright registration and appeals against decisions made by the Copyright Board of Kenya.
6. Education Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals against decisions made by County Education Boards across the country.
7. Energy and Petroleum Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals related to decisions made by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), as well as other disputes arising from the Energy Act.
8. Financial Center Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves appeals against decisions or orders issued by the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority.
9. HIV & Aids Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears complaints arising from violations of the HIV and Aids Prevention & Control Act, ensuring the protection of persons living with HIV.
10. Industrial Property Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals from decisions made by the Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute concerning patents, trademarks, and industrial designs.
11. Land Acquisition Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals from decisions of the National Land Commission, particularly those related to the compulsory acquisition of land.
12. Legal Education Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves appeals against decisions made by the Council of Legal Education regarding matters such as accreditation and certification of legal education providers.
13. Micro & Small Enterprises Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles disputes among members of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and between MSEs and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority.
14. National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals from decisions made by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on matters related to aviation safety and licensing.
15. National Environment Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves environmental disputes, including appeals against the refusal, revocation, or variation of environmental licenses by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
16. Political Parties Disputes Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears disputes within political parties, as well as appeals against decisions made by the Registrar of Political Parties.
17. Public Private Partnerships Petitions Committee
- Mandate: Considers complaints submitted by private parties during the tendering process and entering into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
18. Rent Restriction Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, particularly in controlled residential properties.
19. Sports Disputes Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals related to decisions made by national sports organizations, umbrella national sports bodies, and the Sports Registrar. It also resolves other sports-related disputes referred by mutual consent.
20. Standards Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions made by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Minister in charge of Standards, or the National Standards Council.
21. Tax Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes between taxpayers and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), particularly those related to tax decisions made by the Commissioner.
22. Transport Licensing Appeal Board
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions made by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) concerning transport licensing.
23. Water Appeals Board
- Mandate: Resolves appeals against decisions made by the Cabinet Secretary, the Water Resources Authority, and the Water Services Regulatory Board, particularly in disputes involving water resources and management.
Conclusion
Judiciary tribunals in Kenya play a pivotal role in the legal system by offering a specialized approach to resolving disputes across various sectors. Their speed, affordability, and accessibility make them essential in ensuring justice is served in specific industries, ranging from land and education to tax and energy.
For any inquiries or further assistance, you can contact the Office of the Registrar of Tribunals via:
- Phone: 0792 429713
- Email: tribunals@court.go.ke
