Maritim v Korir (Enviromental and Land Originating Summons E003 of 2024) [2025] KEELC 8337 (KLR)
The bottom line
#A Kenyan landowner lost five acres after 50 years of someone else's open occupation — proof that long, quiet inaction can extinguish your title.
What this practically means
#Executive summary
#Key legal issues
#Adverse possession of a definite portion of registered land
The Plaintiff proved adverse possession of five acres out of LR Nandi/Chepnoet/558 since 1972, exceeding twelve years, dispossessing the registered owner
The suit land was registered in the name of Deceased-2 and subsequently the Defendant. PW1 and PW2 testified to open, peaceful and continuous occupation since 1972 without interruption. The court applied the criteria in Wilson Kazungu Katana and found possession adverse to the registered owner's title, dispossessing him and extinguishing his title.
Constructive trust arising from the purchase agreement
The Defendant holds the five acres in trust for the Plaintiff by operation of a constructive trust
Ground (e) of the summons and paragraph 11 of the supporting affidavit disclosed a constructive trust. Guided by Willy Kitilit and Article 10(2)(b) of the Constitution on equity, the court found the purchase agreement and Ad Litem grant established equitable interests in the Plaintiff's favour.
Uncontroverted evidence in a formal proof hearing
The Plaintiff's unchallenged claim was established on a balance of probabilities
The Defendant was duly served but did not enter appearance or file a defence. Following Nganga Kiongo, evidence given on oath that is not countered is uncontroverted and likely to succeed on a balance of probabilities; the burden on the plaintiff is not lessened in formal proof.
Legal principles established
#- Adverse possession requires the land be registered in another's name, open and exclusive adverse possession, and occupation exceeding twelve years dispossessing the owner
- The burden of proof remains on the plaintiff on a balance of probabilities even where the suit proceeds by way of formal proof
- A defendant who fails to enter appearance or file a defence leaves the plaintiff's evidence uncontroverted, which may still succeed on a balance of probabilities
Court orders
#- 1.Judgment entered for the Plaintiff against the Defendant in terms of prayers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the originating summons dated 30th May 2024
- 2.A declaration that the Defendant's right to recover the five acres is barred under the Limitation of Actions Act Cap 22 and his title thereto extinguished
- 3.An order that the Plaintiff be registered as proprietor of the five acres of the suit land and/or the register be rectified accordingly
- 4.The Defendant to execute all requisite papers necessary to have the Plaintiff registered as owner of the portion of the suit land
- 5.Costs of the suit borne by the Defendant
- 6.The Defendant holds the five acres of the suit land in trust for the Plaintiff by dint of prayer Number 5 of the summons
- Jurisdiction invoked
- Original jurisdiction under the Limitation of Actions Act Cap 22 and sections 7 and 38 thereof; Order 15 of the Civil Procedure Rules 2010
Key timeline
#Practical implications
#Frequently asked questions
#Cite this brief
#Cite this brief
Caselaw, "Maritim v Korir (Enviromental and Land Originating Summons E003 of 2024) [2025] KEELC 8337 (KLR)", Case Analysis (2025). Originating Summons dated 30th May 2024. Source: https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/judgment/keelc/2025/8337/eng@2025-11-26
Suggested citation format for research notes or client memos. Always verify the original judgment before relying on any point.