Co-operative Tribunal Kenya: 6 Steps to File a SACCO Dispute and Fees

Updated 8 November 2026

The Co-operative Tribunal hears disputes inside Kenya’s co-operative sector, including members against their SACCO over deposits, loans or guarantors. The Judiciary says it handles disputes under section 76 of the Co-operative Societies Act, has unlimited monetary jurisdiction, and aims to conclude cases within 180 days. You start with a statement of claim filed through the e-filing system. For a liquidated claim the Judiciary gives the fee as principal pleaded minus 600, times 2%, plus 880; unliquidated claims cost KSh 1,000 per prayer.

Checked on 8 November 2026 against the Judiciary’s Tribunals FAQs (Co-operative Tribunal section). The fee formula is reproduced as published; confirm the assessed amount on e-filing.

Contents: What it hears · Steps · Fees · Timelines · Offices · Before filing · FAQ

What the Co-operative Tribunal hears

According to the Judiciary, the Tribunal hears disputes concerning the business of a co-operative society, including between:

• members, past members or people claiming through them;
• members and the society, its committee or officers;
• a society and another society.

It also hears claims by a SACCO for debts owed by a member, past member or deceased member, appeals against refusal of a SACCO licence or other decisions of the regulator, and appeals against orders of the Commissioner for Co-operative Development. Its monetary jurisdiction is unlimited.

How to file at the Co-operative Tribunal

1. Raise the issue with your SACCO in writing and keep its reply.
2. Prepare a statement of claim setting out the parties, facts, amounts and orders you want.
3. Attach supporting documents such as member statements, loan forms and guarantor forms.
4. File through the Judiciary e-filing system and pay the assessed fee.
5. Serve the respondent, who the Judiciary says has 15 days to respond after service.
6. Attend mention and hearing dates, or ask about alternative dispute resolution, which the Tribunal offers.

Co-operative Tribunal filing fees

The Judiciary publishes the liquidated-claim fee as a formula: (principal pleaded − 600) × 2% + 880. Read that way, a KSh 100,000 claim works out to (100,000 − 600) × 2% + 880 = KSh 2,868. That is our arithmetic on the published formula, not an official quote; the e-filing system assesses the fee. Unliquidated claims, where you ask for orders rather than a fixed sum, are KSh 1,000 per prayer.

Before filing over a loan, check the figures with a calculator such as our SACCO loan calculator so your claimed amount is accurate.

Co-operative Tribunal timelines and appeals

The Judiciary says the Tribunal aims to conclude matters within 180 days. A party dissatisfied with its decision can appeal to the High Court.

Co-operative Tribunal offices

The Tribunal’s head office is at Re Insurance Plaza, 11th Floor, Taifa Road, Nairobi, with regional stations in Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru and Nyeri. The Judiciary lists the email coptr@court.go.ke and phone 0798 500 066.

Before you file

Many SACCO complaints are settled internally once a member puts them in writing and asks for a statement. If a society refuses to release deposits on exit or recovers from guarantors without explanation, keep copies of everything. Be wary of anyone offering to “fix” a SACCO dispute for a fee; similar tactics appear in loan app scams. Where the dispute involves a company borrower, a CR12 search confirms who its directors are.

Common SACCO disputes at the Co-operative Tribunal

The Judiciary’s list of disputes maps onto problems SACCO members report often. A member who resigns and is not refunded deposits within the period in the society’s by-laws has a dispute with the society. A guarantor whose deposits are offset against a defaulter’s loan without notice can challenge the recovery. A society can itself file against a member, past member or the estate of a deceased member to recover a debt. Disputes over elections or decisions of the management committee, and between two societies, also fall within section 76. Where the Commissioner for Co-operative Development makes an order, or the regulator refuses a SACCO licence, the Tribunal hears the appeal.

Documents that help a Co-operative Tribunal claim

• your membership number and a current member statement showing deposits, shares and loans;
• the society’s by-laws, especially the clauses on withdrawal, refunds and guarantors;
• loan application and guarantor forms you signed;
• letters or emails to the SACCO and any replies, with dates;
• for a deceased member, the death certificate and letters of administration or proof of nomination.

Organised documents make it easier to state an exact sum, which matters because the liquidated-claim fee is calculated from the principal pleaded.

Co-operative Tribunal FAQ

Can the Co-operative Tribunal hear a dispute with my SACCO?

Yes, disputes between members and their society fall under section 76.

Is there a limit on claims at the Co-operative Tribunal?

No. The Judiciary says its monetary jurisdiction is unlimited.

How long does the Co-operative Tribunal take?

It aims to conclude matters within 180 days.

Where do I appeal a Co-operative Tribunal decision?

To the High Court.

Does the Co-operative Tribunal have offices outside Nairobi?

Yes: Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu, Meru, Mombasa, Nakuru and Nyeri.