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Kenyan Property Law

Environment and Land Court (Kenya)

Kenya's specialised court for land disputes, evictions, and environmental matters. It hears cases under the Land Act, Land Registration Act, and community land claims, and can grant injunctions to stop illegal evictions.

Legal Definition

The Environment and Land Court (ELC) is established under Article 162(2)(b) of the Constitution and the Environment and Land Court Act, 2011. It has jurisdiction to hear disputes relating to the environment and use and occupation of, and title to, land. The ELC hears: land ownership and boundary disputes; eviction cases (including challenges to unlawful evictions); environmental damage claims; enforcement of land rights of vulnerable groups; and disputes under the Land Act, 2012, Land Registration Act, 2012, and Community Land Act, 2016. For urgent eviction threats, the ELC can grant a conservatory order (injunction) to stop an eviction pending hearing. An application for an injunction must show: a prima facie case, risk of irreparable harm if the order is not granted, and that the balance of convenience favours granting the order. The ELC has a station in most counties and a principal seat in Nairobi.

📖 Constitutional / Statutory Basis: Constitution of Kenya, 2010, Article 162(2)(b); Environment and Land Court Act, 2011; Land Act, 2012

Practical Example

Landlord attempts to lock out a tenant who is three months behind on rent. The tenant rushes to the ELC and applies for a conservatory order. The ELC grants an interim order prohibiting eviction and orders parties to appear for a hearing within 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to the Environment and Land Court to stop an eviction?
Yes. File a Notice of Motion with a supporting affidavit at the nearest ELC station. If the matter is urgent, ask for a certificate of urgency. The court can issue a temporary injunction on the same day if the judge is satisfied there is an urgent need.
What is the difference between the ELC and the High Court for land matters?
The ELC has specialised jurisdiction over land and environment disputes and is the primary forum for these cases. The High Court retains concurrent jurisdiction in some matters, but cases involving purely land or environmental issues should be filed at the ELC.

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