Republic v Director of Criminal Investigations (Environment and Land Judicial Review Case E002 of 2025) [2025] KEELC 7635 (KLR)
The bottom line
#The High Court in Kapsabet allowed a property owner to challenge a land restriction months after the deadline, freezing the restriction while her case proceeds.
What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Key legal issues
#Whether to enlarge time for filing judicial review proceedings
The court found the application for enlargement of time merited, noting the applicant only discovered the restriction on 10th June 2025 despite the impugned letter being dated 24th/25th February 2025.
The applicant explained the delay by showing she only learned of the restriction when she visited the lands registry on 10th June 2025, and that the Registrar lodged it pursuant to the Respondent's letter of 24th February 2025. Guided by Order 50 CPR 2010 and the Salat principles on extension of time, the court found the application 'steadfast and merited' and allowed enlargement of time.
Whether leave should issue to apply for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus, and operate as a stay
Leave was granted in terms of prayers 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, including leave to operate as a stay of the decision in the letter dated 24th February 2025.
The respondent was duly served with the chamber summons and affidavit of service sworn 9th October 2025 but chose not to respond. Considering the application under Articles 23(3)(f) and 47 of the Constitution, the court found the application for leave merited and allowed it in terms of the specified prayers, directing filing of a substantive motion within 21 days.
Legal principles established
#- Extension of time is governed by Order 50 of the Civil Procedure Rules 2010 and the Salat principles
- Where a respondent is duly served and opts not to respond, the court may proceed on the unopposed application
Court orders
#- 1.The application dated 3rd October 2025 allowed in terms of prayers 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (enlargement of time; leave to apply for certiorari; leave to apply for prohibition; leave to apply for mandamus; leave to operate as stay of the decision in the letter dated 24th February 2025)
- 2.Applicant's counsel to file and serve a substantive application within twenty-one (21) days
- 3.Mention on 8th December 2025
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Articles 23(3)(f) and 47 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010; Order 50 of the Civil Procedure Rules 2010
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Republic v Director of Criminal Investigations (Environment and Land Judicial Review Case E002 of 2025) [2025] KEELC 7635 (KLR)", Case Analysis (2025). Chamber Summons dated 3rd October 2025 (Judicial Review). Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2025/7635/eng@2025-11-03
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.