In Kenya, tribunals are established by Acts of Parliament and serve as subordinate courts under the Judiciary. These tribunals handle a wide variety of disputes, ranging from business matters to environmental issues, offering citizens a more accessible, faster, and affordable way to resolve conflicts. As of now, Kenya has over 38 tribunals, with 23 administered through the Office of the Registrar of Tribunals. Here’s a comprehensive list of the major tribunals in Kenya and their respective functions.
List of Judiciary Tribunals in Kenya and Their Functions
- Business Premises Rent Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in controlled tenancies for shops, hotels, and catering establishments.
- Communication & Multimedia Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions made by the Media Council of Kenya or the Communications Authority of Kenya, including complaints against journalists or media houses.
- Competition Tribunal
- Mandate: Deals with appeals against decisions made by the Competition Authority.
- Co-operatives Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears disputes concerning the business of co-operative societies.
- Copyright Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes over the registration of copyrights and appeals against decisions of the Copyright Board.
- Education Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions made by County Education Boards.
- Energy and Petroleum Tribunal
- Mandate: Deals with appeals against decisions made by the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority, as well as disputes arising from the Energy Act.
- Financial Center Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals against decisions or orders made by the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority.
- HIV & Aids Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves complaints arising from breaches of the HIV and Aids Prevention & Control Act.
- Industrial Property Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals from decisions of the Managing Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Institute.
- Land Acquisition Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves appeals concerning the process of compulsory land acquisition by the National Land Commission.
- Legal Education Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals from decisions made by the Council of Legal Education.
- Micro & Small Enterprises Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves disputes among members of Micro and Small Enterprises, as well as between the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority and Associations.
- National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals from decisions of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.
- National Environment Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves appeals concerning the refusal, suspension, or revocation of licenses and environmental restoration or improvement orders.
- Political Parties Disputes Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears disputes among members of political parties, as well as appeals from decisions made by the Registrar of Political Parties.
- Public Private Partnerships Petitions Committee
- Mandate: Reviews petitions and complaints submitted by private parties during the tendering process for public-private partnership projects.
- Rent Restriction Tribunals
- Mandate: Resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, typically related to rent and other tenancy issues.
- Sports Disputes Tribunal
- Mandate: Handles appeals against decisions made by national sports organizations, sports-related disputes agreed upon by all parties, and appeals from decisions made by the Sports Registrar.
- Standards Tribunal
- Mandate: Resolves appeals against decisions made by the Minister, the National Standards Council, or the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
- Tax Appeals Tribunal
- Mandate: Hears appeals filed against tax decisions made by the Commissioner.
- Transport Licensing Appeal Board
- Mandate: Considers appeals from decisions made by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
- Water Appeals Board
- Mandate: Resolves appeals from individuals or institutions affected by decisions made by the Cabinet Secretary, the Water Resources Authority, or the Water Services Regulatory Board.
Registrar Tribunals Contacts
- Phone: 0792 429713
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
Kenya’s judiciary tribunals play a critical role in providing citizens with affordable and accessible avenues for resolving disputes. Whether it’s a matter related to business, education, land acquisition, or environmental concerns, these specialized tribunals offer a quicker and more efficient alternative to traditional courts. Understanding the specific function of each tribunal can help individuals and businesses navigate the legal system more effectively.
