Kenyan appeal work commonly requires that every tenth line of a document can be cited. This checklist is for advocates and clerks preparing a PDF for filing. It covers what the document should contain, what Tenthlining does, and what you must still check yourself.
This is not a substitute for the practice directions or registry instructions of the court you are filing in. Always follow the court that will receive the file.
What does “tenthlining” require on the page?
At minimum, a tenthlined document lets a reader point to a line by number. In practice that means:
- A number appears on every tenth line of text (10, 20, 30…), not on every line and not only on the first page.
- Numbers are readable in the margin or beside the line, without covering the words they mark.
- The numbering continues through the PDF you will file, including annexures that form part of the same record, unless the court tells you to number volumes separately.
Line numbers are not the same as page numbers. Page numbers identify a sheet. Tenthlining identifies a line on that sheet. Many appeal filings need both. See also the distinction in everyday use: a judge saying “page 14, line 20” needs both systems to work.
Requirements this service can meet
| Requirement | What Tenthlining does | What you still do |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Accepts PDF only, up to 500MB | Convert Word or scans to PDF first |
| Every tenth line numbered | Places numbers on every tenth line of detected text | Preview several pages before paying |
| Text and scanned PDFs | Numbers born-digital text; reads scans then numbers them | Use a clear scan; mixed handwriting may need a visual check |
| Existing page numbers | Optional: do not add new page numbers if you tick the box | Decide whether your bundle already has the court’s pagination |
| Payment | KES 5 per page, M-Pesa, after preview | Confirm page count on the preview screen |
| File retention | Deletes the PDF 3 hours after download (unused files within 24 hours) | Save the downloaded file in your matter folder |
Requirements this service does not meet for you
Tenthlining does not draft the appeal, build the index, or e-file on the Judiciary portal. You remain responsible for:
- Correct document order and a matching index
- Court-specific cover pages, fonts, or margins if the registry requires them
- Portal file-size limits (often lower than 500MB)
- Signing, commissioning, and service of documents
- Whether a particular court wants line numbers on every volume or only on submissions
If a registry has published a checklist for your division, use that list as the authority. Use this page as a practical companion for the numbering step.
Pre-upload checklist
- The file is a single PDF in the order you intend to file.
- Pages are upright, not rotated sideways, unless a plan or exhibit must be landscape.
- You know whether page numbers already exist.
- The file is under 500MB.
- You have a phone that can complete M-Pesa after preview.
Pre-filing checklist (after download)
- Open the numbered PDF locally. Do not file from memory of the preview screen.
- Spot-check a cover, a typical text page, a page with a table, and a stamped page.
- Confirm you can cite “page X, line 20” on a random inner page.
- Compare a few index entries to actual page numbers.
- Check the destination portal’s size and name rules, then split volumes if needed.
- Keep a copy. The processed file will not stay on Tenthlining.
How much does numbering cost?
On this site the price is KES 5 per page, paid with M-Pesa after you preview. There is no subscription and no account.