On the 25th of May 2016, the Judiciary in Siaya County will start handling over 2,000 pending land succession cases in a major effort to reduce the growing backlog of inheritance disputes in Kenyan courts.
David Kemei has encouraged family members to take part in the hearings or risk having their succession cases thrown out.
“Numerous individuals initiate the succession process but fail to finalize the confirmation of grants mandated by Kenyan law before the legal transfer of land,” he stated.
The Law of Succession Act prevents beneficiaries from conveying land obtained through inheritance or from acquiring legitimate title deeds until the courts ratify the grants. Justice Kemei cautioned that numerous families overlook this step, resulting in future legal conflicts.
The hearings are set to take place in the six sub-counties of Siaya and will mainly focus on uncontested cases that have been formally released in Form 41. Court officials will also check if administrators paid the appropriate heirs of estates.
The Judiciary has intensified its initiatives to eliminate the backlog of cases nationwide by implementing special hearings and digital reforms to expedite justice delivery.
Authorities advised residents dealing with succession issues to collaborate with the courts and finalize the procedure to avoid future disputes regarding family property.
