Q&A

What are the grounds for divorce in Kenya?

What are the grounds for divorce in Kenya?

The common grounds for dissolution of all forms of marriage are cruelty, adultery, desertion, exceptional depravity and the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. For customary marriages, additional grounds include any valid ground under the customary law of the Petitioner.

What are the stages in divorce case?

The procedure of divorce is divided into six stages which are – filing of the petition, service of summons, response, trial, interim orders, and final order.

Can divorce case be fast tracked?

No, you cant apply for the divorce case in fast track courts. If your wife is delaying the court process, your lawyer can urge the the court by moving an application to give short dates which will faster the process in the same court itself. Have a good lawyer who can sort your divorce case as soon as possible.

How long does divorce take in Kenya?

The Kenyan divorce process is straightforward and uncomplicated. Thus, with all factors remaining constant, the process should take a maximum of 2 months from start to conclusion. The next article in this series will explain the handling of the matrimonial property once a divorce is done.

What is the cost of divorce in Kenya?

Legal sources indicate that the cost of filing a divorce case could range from a minimum of Sh200,000 to Sh500,000, and the case could drag on in court for years.

What is Fast Track divorce?

Fast Track Courts – If you have been contesting for your case for more than 2 years, you can transfer your case to Fast Track Court. Fast Track courts were set up in 2000 in India to expedite and dispose of the long-pending cases in the courts.

How much does it cost to divorce in Kenya?

As it stands, legal sources across the country designate that the cost of filing a divorce case ranges between Ksh200,000 and Ksh500,000, depending on the court, attorney charges, and sometimes, the reason for the divorce.

Is adultery a crime in Kenya?

“Adultery is not a crime in Kenya as it is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than the lawful spouse. Physically attacking the man is a criminal offence and you can be charged with assault or causing grievous harm, depending on injuries inflicted.

Can a divorce be extra judicial in Kenya?

Divorce under Customary law in Kenya can be both judicial or extra judicial and just like Islamic Law before the parties are divorced there is a reconciliation process whereby the elders seek to reconcile the parties.

How does post divorce maintenance work in Kenya?

The common law rules that govern post-divorce maintenance derived from Kenyan as well as comparative case law indicated that the exercise by the Court of its discretionary power to award maintenance must be informed by an examination of all the circumstance of the case including:

How does the family law work in Kenya?

Kenya family law: Divorce in Kenya. Under Kenya laws,the method in which one divorces depends on the type of marriage one contracted.There are various types of divorces under the Kenya family law and this include: Under the 1941 Matrimonial Causes Act, Kenya’s High Court may grant a decree of judicial separation for partners in civil-law marriages.

What was the recent child custody case in Kenya?

A recent child custody case caused an uproar on how such cases are handled in the Kenyan corridors of justice. The case came to the limelight through a video of a 10-year-old girl crying while holding onto her father.