Kampala International University v Housing Finance Company Limited
The bottom line
#Supreme Court allowed Kampala International University to amend its appeal and add missing court records.
What this practically means
#The Supreme Court of Kenya has the power to allow changes to legal documents if it helps clarify the real issues in a case. In this ruling, the court let Kampala International University fix its appeal by adding missing court records. The university explained the records were unavailable earlier, and the other side showed no harm. The court gave both sides time to respond, ensuring fairness.
Executive summary
#Questions the Court framed
#The issues the Court set itself to decide, in its own words.
- 1.Whether the petitioner should be granted leave to amend the petition of appeal and file a supplementary record of appeal.
Key legal issues
#Whether the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to grant leave to amend a petition of appeal and file a supplementary record of appeal in an interlocutory appeal from the Court of Appeal.
The court has inherent jurisdiction under section 21(2) of the Supreme Court Act and rule 3(5) of the Supreme Court Rules 2020 to allow amendments to define the real question in controversy and to do substantial justice.
The court relied on its inherent powers under section 21(2) of the Supreme Court Act and rule 3(5) of the Supreme Court Rules 2020, which grant it discretion to make ancillary or interlocutory orders necessary for the ends of justice. It cited its earlier decision in Stephen Maina Githiga & 5 others v Kiru Tea Factory Company Ltd, where it held that the purpose of amendment is to define the real question in controversy and that the respondent will have an opportunity to respond, addressing any potential prejudice. The court also noted that under rule 40(4) of the Supreme Court Rules 2020, it has power to grant leave to file a supplementary record where the applicant explains the delay and no prejudice is caused.
Whether the proposed amendment and supplementary record would cause prejudice to the respondent.
No prejudice was demonstrated by the respondent, and any potential prejudice could be addressed by allowing the respondent an opportunity to respond to the amended petition.
The court noted that the respondent had not controverted the applicant's argument that the proceedings of the High Court and Court of Appeal were unavailable at the time of filing the record of appeal, nor had the respondent demonstrated any likely prejudice if the prayer to file a supplementary record was granted. The court also stated that the respondent would have ample time to fully ventilate its arguments in line with the court's jurisdiction under Article 163(4)(a) of the Constitution, and any prejudice would be discernible then.
Legal principles established
#- The Supreme Court has inherent power to make orders necessary for justice under section 21(2) of the Supreme Court Act.
- Amendments to appeals are allowed to define the real question in controversy.
- Leave to file a supplementary record can be granted if the applicant explains the delay and shows no prejudice.
- The opposing party must have an opportunity to respond to any amendment.
- Prejudice must be demonstrated by the party opposing the amendment; mere opposition is not enough.
- Costs of such applications abide the outcome of the main appeal.
Court orders
#- 1.The notice of motion dated March 17, 2023 and filed on May 5, 2023 be and is hereby allowed.
- 2.The petitioner shall file and serve its amended petition and supplementary record within 14 days from the date of this ruling.
- 3.The respondent has 14 days after service of the amended petition to file a supplementary / further response, if need be.
- 4.Costs of the application shall abide the outcome of the appeal.
The bench
#One judgment of the whole court — no separate or dissenting opinions.
- On appeal from
- Court of Appeal of Kenya
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Article 163(4)(a) of the Constitution
Quotable passages
#Verbatim from the judgment, each located to the page it appears on in the official PDF — so these can be cited and checked directly.
The provisions of section 21(2) of the Supreme Court Act 2011 and rule 3(5) of the Supreme Court Rules 2020 grant this court inherent power to make any ancillary or interlocutory orders as may be necessary for the ends of justice.
In considering whether to exercise discretion and grant leave to file documents out of time, we have time and again restated that the onus is on the applicant to explain the delay and that no prejudice will be caused to the opposing party.
The notice of motion dated March 17, 2023 and filed on May 5, 2023 be and is hereby allowed.
Costs of the application shall abide the outcome of the appeal.
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Amendment strategy in Supreme Court appeals
When filing appeals, ensure all records are included. If missing, apply promptly under section 21(2) of the Supreme Court Act and rule 3(5) of the Supreme Court Rules 2020. Explain the delay and argue no prejudice to the other side. The court will allow amendments to define real issues, but the other party gets a chance to respond.
Flexibility in legal disputes
If your business is in a Supreme Court appeal and you missed important documents, you can ask to correct the record. The court will consider your explanation and whether the other side is harmed. Act quickly and show no unfairness. This ruling shows courts prioritize justice over technicalities.
Your right to correct court filings
Even in the highest court, you can ask to fix errors in your appeal if you missed key documents. You must explain why the delay happened and prove the other side won't be unfairly treated. The court will give them time to respond. This ensures your case is heard on its merits.
Frequently asked questions
#Can I amend my appeal in the Supreme Court of Kenya?+
Yes, the Supreme Court has inherent power to allow amendments to define the real issues. You must apply, explain the delay, and show no prejudice to the other party. The court will set timelines for responses.
What is a supplementary record of appeal in Kenya?+
It is additional documents filed after the initial record of appeal, such as missing court proceedings. The court can grant leave to file it if the delay is explained and no prejudice is shown.
How long do I have to respond to an amended petition in Kenya Supreme Court?+
In this case, the respondent had 14 days after service of the amended petition to file a response. The court sets specific timelines in each case.
What happens if I oppose an amendment in a Kenyan appeal?+
You must demonstrate that the amendment will cause you prejudice. If you cannot show harm, the court may allow the amendment, as the other side can respond. The court focuses on doing justice.
Later judgments citing this (7)
#Judgments in the corpus that rely on this one. Where the Court said how it treated the authority, that is shown.
- Mulwa t/a Mulwa & Partners Advocates v Mokoosio[2025] KESC 71 (KLR)5 Dec 2025followed
- Miguna v Muhu Holdings Co. Ltd[2025] KESC 29 (KLR)23 May 2025followed
- Ngoge t/a OP Ngoge & Associates Advocates v Ammu Investments Company[2025] KESC 34 (KLR)23 May 2025followed
- SMB Bank (Kenya) Limited v Afrasia Bank Limited (Civil Appeal E620 of 2022) [2025] KECA 386 (KLR)[2025] KECA 386 (KLR)28 Feb 2025followed
- Mohamed v Diamond Trust Bank Kenya Ltd & another[2024] KESC 71 (KLR)29 Nov 2024
- Ashmi Investment Limited v Riakina Limited & another[2024] KESC 30 (KLR)28 Jun 2024followed
- Oyatsi v Nzoia Sugar Company Limited[2023] KESC 103 (KLR)8 Dec 2023followed
Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Kampala International University v Housing Finance Company Limited", Case Analysis (2023). Petition (Application) 34 (E035) of 2021. Source: https://new.kenyalaw.orghttps://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/kesc/2023/67/eng@2023-08-04
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.