Iten: The Iten Law Courts have launched a special service week aimed at fast-tracking uncontested land succession cases in a bid to reduce the growing backlog of inheritance disputes that have remained unresolved for years.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise, scheduled to run from May 25 to May 29, 2026, will focus on helping families finalize succession matters, particularly cases where beneficiaries had already been issued with temporary grants but failed to complete the final confirmation stage required for the legal transfer of inherited property.
Speaking at the Iten Law Courts, Court Administrator Peter Titi said the Judiciary had established a special committee to review pending succession files and identify matters that qualify for hearing under the Uncontested Succession Matters section. ‘We have a committee that reviews succession cases, and we have been given the opportunity to present and handle uncontested matters,’ said Titi. ‘Families with no disputes who wish to proceed to the final stage of land succession are encouraged to visit the court.’
Titi noted that many cases pending before the court involve families that received temporary grants months or even years ago but never returned for confirmation, which is the final legal step in the succession process. ‘We received reports from the registrar’s office indicating a backlog of such cases, and we were given time to plan for the handling of uncontested succession matters,’ he explained.
According to the court administrator, the exercise forms part of broader Judiciary efforts to enhance access to justice and clear long-standing succession disputes that continue to affect families across Elgeyo Marakwet County. He explained that the law requires beneficiaries to return to court for confirmation of grants at least six months after issuance. However, many families delay the process due to disputes, lack of awareness, or logistical challenges.
To ensure efficiency, Titi said three judges have been assigned to handle the cases during the special service week. ‘We have three judges dedicated to dealing with these matters so that the cases can be handled in the best and most effective way,’ he added.
Families whose succession cases have remained pending for years have been urged to visit the court registry, where their files will be reviewed, reorganized where necessary, and forwarded for hearing and determination. ‘If your case has been pending for two, three or even four years, you are welcome to come to the registry,’ Titi said. ‘A committee is in place to review files and forward them for hearing under the Uncontested Succession Matters section.’
The court also emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through Court Annexed Mediation, particularly in contested succession cases where disagreements among beneficiaries often delay the distribution of estates. ‘We encourage families to embrace Court Annexed Mediation,’ Titi said. ‘In contested cases, parties are brought together with mediators to help them reach agreements and proceed with the matter efficiently.’
He praised the mediation programme for helping families resolve disputes amicably without undergoing lengthy and costly court battles. Agreements reached through mediation are later adopted by judges, allowing succession matters to proceed to conclusion.
The court further expressed concern over the increasing number of inheritance disputes that have remained unresolved for decades. Officials warned that prolonged delays often create fresh conflicts among younger generations and complicate ownership of family land and property.
Titi appealed to chiefs and local administrators to support the exercise by helping trace residents who may not have received court notices. ‘We are asking chiefs and their representatives to work with us so that we can reach individuals we have not been able to contact,’ he said.
Court employee Evelyne Wanyama confirmed that the Judiciary has already reviewed numerous succession files and identified cases ready for hearing and confirmation. ‘We have gone through many files and submitted those that are ready for approval,’ she said. ‘Some families were issued temporary grants but never returned to complete the process.’
Wanyama explained that succession procedures are essential in enabling beneficiaries to legally access inherited property, bank accounts, and other assets left behind by deceased relatives. ‘Every case registered is processed immediately and brought before the court,’ she said. ‘After the grant is issued, confirmation is the next critical step, and we do not want these cases to remain pending for many years.’
She also educated the public on other succession-related matters handled by the court, including citation cases where relatives compel reluctant family members to initiate succession proceedings. ‘We also handle citation matters,’ Wanyama explained. ‘For instance, if a family member who is expected to file a succession case fails to do so, others have the right to move to court and initiate the process.’
Wanyama further highlighted cases involving unclaimed property and funds left in banks after the death of family members. ‘In some instances, individuals die leaving money in banks or property behind, and families do not know how to access it,’ she said. ‘Succession procedures help beneficiaries recover what rightfully belongs to them.’
She encouraged families with uncontested succession matters to take advantage of the upcoming exercise and ensure their cases are concluded without unnecessary delays. ‘If you have such a matter, take this opportunity to have it heard,’ she said. ‘Do not delay when you have a case that needs resolution. You have the right to seek justice.’
Court assistant Oliver Komen noted that many succession cases stall at the final stages due to misunderstandings and disagreements among beneficiaries, leaving matters pending in court for years. He said the Judiciary organized the initiative to help affected families resolve disputes and finalize inheritance matters more efficiently.
The court reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring succession cases are handled fairly, efficiently, and within a reasonable timeframe. The week-long exercise is expected to significantly reduce the backlog of inheritance disputes while promoting faster access to justice and fostering harmonious resolution of family land succession matters in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
