Saying Goodbye to a Legal Superstar: Hon. Keyne Gweno’s Move to Eldoret Law Courts

 

I’ve got some news that’s a bit bittersweet for those of us in the legal world: Hon. Keyne Gweno, one of the most dedicated adjudicators in Nairobi’s Small Claims Court, has been transferred to the Eldoret Law Courts.

It’s a shift, and I wanted to share why this matters—and why it’s worth celebrating his impact, especially for everyday people like you and me.

Let’s start with the basics: the Small Claims Court is a fantastic resource under Kenya’s Small Claims Court Act of 2016.

It’s designed to handle smaller civil disputes—things like contract disagreements or property issues—where the amount is up to one million shillings.

The goal?

To make justice simple, affordable, and fast, so you don’t have to spend a fortune or wait months (or years!) to resolve your problem.

Hon. Gweno has been a key part of making that vision a reality, diving into cases with energy, fairness, and a knack for getting to the heart of the matter.

So, why the move to Eldoret?

It’s all part of how the Judiciary spreads expertise across Kenya, ensuring every region has skilled professionals to handle cases.

Hon. Gweno will bring the same passion and skill to Eldoret, helping people resolve their legal challenges effectively. We’ll miss his hands-on approach and commitment to getting things done right.

This transfer got me reflecting on my experiences with Hon. Gweno, particularly during my early days practicing in the Small Claims Court.

I remember my first case there—a dispute over a broken contract where my client had lost money, and the other side claimed they couldn’t follow through because of unexpected problems.

I was nervous!

The Small Claims Court works differently from other courts—it’s streamlined, with fewer formal steps and no long pre-hearing paperwork. I wanted to start with an opening statement to explain my client’s losses and why the other side’s excuse didn’t hold up. But Hon. Gweno, sticking to the court’s fast-and-simple approach, didn’t allow it.

Instead, we worked through the issues with direct questions and cross-examination during the hearing—and in the end, I won the case.

That experience taught me why it was so effective. These courts are built for speed and simplicity, not heavy legal documents.

They rely on oral hearings where the adjudicator asks the right questions, listens to both sides, and wraps things up quickly.

Over time, I’ve come to believe that keeping things oral—rather than bogged down with written submissions—could be the key to making these courts even faster at delivering decisions. The rules behind the Small Claims Court back this up, encouraging short, flexible claims, giving adjudicators powers to dig into the facts, and aiming for resolutions often on the same day as the hearing.

So, as we say goodbye to him here in Nairobi, I’m excited to see how he’ll continue making a difference in Eldoret. His legacy of fairness and efficiency will inspire us to keep pushing for justice, done quickly and fairly.

If you’ve got a legal issue—like a friend who hasn’t repaid a loan or a business deal that went sour—this court might be your best option.

Here’s to Hon. Keyne Gweno—here’s to justice, made accessible and efficient wherever he goes!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need specific legal guidance, talk or chat at 0708111222.