Faulty goods and unpaid debts
Your rights when something you bought is faulty, and the cheap, fast way to recover small sums.
Checked against the law on 16 October 2026
Your rights
Goods sold by a business must be of merchantable quality and fit for the purpose you made known when buying.
Sale of Goods Act (Cap 31) — s.16(opens Kenya Law)Consumers have the right to goods and services of reasonable quality, to information, and to compensation for loss.
Constitution of Kenya, 2010 — Art. 46(1)(opens Kenya Law)Claims up to KES 1,000,000 (contracts, goods and services, money owed, personal injury) can go to the Small Claims Court; you do not need an advocate.
Small Claims Court Act 2016 — s.12(opens Kenya Law)The Small Claims Court must decide a claim within 60 days of filing.
Small Claims Court Act 2016 — s.34(opens Kenya Law)
What to do
Keep the receipt, the advert and any messages. Write to the seller asking for repair, replacement or refund by a date.
Before suing for a debt, send a written demand giving a deadline — Verisha’s demand letter template can help.
Time limits that apply
- Sue for breach of contract (e.g. unpaid debt, failed sale) — 6 years
Where to get help
- Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK)Handles consumer complaints about misleading, unfair or unconscionable conduct by businesses.
- Small Claims Court File at the court registry or through the Judiciary’s e-filing system; fees are low.
Every situation is different. Ask Verisha with your facts — answers cite the law.
Ask VerishaInformation, not legal advice. Check the official source, or an advocate, before you act.