Commercial & Debt
Debt Recovery Law Advocates in Nairobi, Kenya
Efficient, lawful recovery of commercial debts and unpaid invoices across Kenya.
Limitation periods for contract-based debt claims in Kenya are 6 years from the date of breach. Delay risks permanently barring your right to sue. Act now.
Do any of these situations sound familiar?
A customer, tenant or debtor owes you a significant sum and is not responding to informal demands or payment plans.
You have obtained a court judgment but the debtor refuses to pay and you need to enforce it through available legal mechanisms.
Your business has accumulated a portfolio of unpaid invoices and you need a systematic, professional recovery strategy.
You're not alone. Our advocates deal with these exact situations every week. Speak to us today →
Our Debt Recovery Law Practice
Unpaid commercial debts are one of the most common legal challenges facing businesses in Kenya. WTT Lichuma Advocates LLP operates a dedicated debt recovery practice, guiding clients through every stage of the formal debt recovery process — from initial demand letters and negotiated repayment plans through to court proceedings, judgment and enforcement. We act for creditors across all commercial sectors, from small business owners to large corporates with substantial debtor portfolios.
Our debt recovery process begins with a formal letter of demand from advocates, which in many cases prompts prompt settlement without the need for litigation. Where debtors are unresponsive or dispute the claim, we advise on the most appropriate court pathway — whether the Magistrate's Court, High Court, or Employment and Labour Relations Court for employment-related debts — and file proceedings promptly to preserve the creditor's limitation period.
Once judgment is obtained, we assist with enforcement through all available mechanisms: garnishee orders, attachment and sale of assets, appointment of a receiver, and — where appropriate — winding-up or bankruptcy proceedings against corporate or individual debtors. Our goal is the fastest, most cost-effective recovery of our client's money, managed with professionalism and results-focus throughout.
How We Work With You
Initial Consultation
We listen, understand your matter, assess urgency and give you a clear view of your legal options.
Strategy & Planning
We build a defined legal strategy with milestones, timelines and a transparent cost estimate.
Expert Execution
Our senior advocates handle all filings, negotiations, documentation and court appearances.
Resolution & Follow-Up
We secure the outcome, ensure it's properly documented and follow up on implementation.
How We Can Help
Formal Demand Letters
Professional advocate's demand letters specifying sums due, legal basis and payment deadline.
Court-Based Recovery
Filing and conduct of debt recovery proceedings in Magistrate's Court and High Court.
Summary Judgment Applications
Fast-track judgment applications for undisputed liquidated debts without full trial.
Judgment Enforcement
Garnishee orders, asset attachment, receivership and all enforcement mechanisms post-judgment.
Statutory Demand
Statutory demands for company and individual insolvency proceedings where appropriate.
Debt Portfolio Advisory
Advice on debt portfolio management, write-off strategy and debtor credit assessment.
Why Clients Choose WTT Lichuma Advocates LLP
EBS Presidential Honour — Senior Partner
Led by Mrs. Winfred Osimbo Lichuma, EBS — over three decades of experience and former Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission.
International & Regional Reach
We undertake domestic, regional and international assignments — bringing world-class legal standards to every matter.
Dedicated Legal Team
Advocates of the High Court of Kenya assigned to your matter from instruction to conclusion.
Plain-Language Communication
We explain your legal position clearly at every stage. No jargon. Just clear, actionable guidance.
Your Debt Recovery Law Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions our clients ask about debt recovery law in Kenya.
A formal letter of demand from advocates is the most effective first step. It signals seriousness, specifies the legal basis of the claim and sets a clear payment deadline. Many debtors resolve matters at this stage to avoid the cost and reputational risk of litigation. We issue demand letters that are precise, legally grounded and strategically timed to maximise the likelihood of prompt settlement.
Yes. Where a debt is liquidated and not genuinely disputed, you can apply for summary judgment under Order 17 of the Civil Procedure Rules — bypassing a full trial and saving significant time and cost. We assess each debt claim, issue formal demand letters and file the most efficient recovery pathway, including statutory demands where appropriate.
Enforcement options include garnishee orders (attaching debts owed to the judgment debtor), attachment and sale of the debtor's property, appointment of a receiver, and — in appropriate cases — winding-up or bankruptcy proceedings. We assess the judgment debtor's recoverable assets and select the most effective enforcement mechanism to maximise recovery for our client.
A statutory demand is a formal demand served on a company (under the Insolvency Act 2015) requiring payment of a debt above the prescribed threshold within 21 days. Failure to pay, secure or compound the debt to the creditor's satisfaction is evidence of insolvency and can trigger winding-up proceedings. Statutory demands are a powerful tool where the debtor company is solvent and wants to avoid the reputational damage of winding-up. We advise on when this is the most appropriate recovery mechanism.
Have a question not covered here? Ask one of our advocates →
Related Insights
Who We Serve
Related Practice Areas
Take the Next Step
Ready to Resolve Your Debt Recovery Law Matter?
Speak with our advocates in Karen, Nairobi or Kakamega. Request a consultation and we will respond the same business day.
Tana House, Karen Shopping Centre, Karen, Along Lang'ata Road, 3rd Floor, Room 309 | Regulated Advocates | Commissioners for Oaths & Notaries Public