Why Court Documents Get Rejected in Kenya
Registry staff and judges regularly return documents that don't meet formatting requirements. Knowing the common rejection reasons saves time and protects filing deadlines.
1. Missing or Incorrect Tenthlining
The number one formatting issue. Lines must be numbered every tenth line consistently throughout the document. Gaps, restarts, or wrong intervals trigger rejection.
Fix: Use automated tenthlining instead of manual numbering.
2. Missing Page Numbers
Every page needs a sequential page number. Sub-documents merged into a bundle must continue numbering, not restart at page 1.
3. Wrong File Format
Courts require PDF. Word documents, images, or password-protected PDFs are rejected at upload.
4. File Size Exceeds Limits
Large records of appeal often exceed e-filing size limits. Split into volumes with separate indexes, each properly formatted.
5. Poor Scan Quality
Blurry, crooked, or low-resolution scans make documents unreadable. Re-scan at 300 DPI minimum with straight alignment.
6. Index Mismatches
When the index says a document starts on page 50 but it actually starts on page 52, the entire bundle loses credibility.
7. Non-Compliant Font or Spacing
Stick to standard fonts (Times New Roman 12pt) and double spacing unless rules specify otherwise.
Prevention Strategy
- Use a pre-filing checklist for every document
- Automate tenthlining and pagination
- Have a colleague cross-check the index against the bundle
- File at least 48 hours before the deadline
Conclusion
Most rejections are preventable with proper formatting tools and a systematic review process. Don't let formatting errors undermine strong legal arguments.