Noticus demand letters

Demand Letter for Debt & Payment Recovery

Formal legal demand for unpaid debts, loans, goods supplied, or services rendered — prepared by a registered Kenyan lawyer.

From KES 2,500 · standard turnaround 3–5 business days

What this demand letter covers

A debt recovery demand letter is a formal written request for payment, issued on registered advocate letterhead before you escalate to court. It is used when someone owes you money under a loan, invoice, contract, or other clear obligation — and informal reminders have not worked.

In Kenya, putting your claim in writing serves two purposes: it gives the debtor a defined deadline to pay, and it creates a record that you attempted amicable resolution before litigation. Courts and tribunals expect this step in most commercial and contractual disputes.

Noticus helps you describe what is owed, when payment was due, and what you have already tried. A registered Kenyan advocate then drafts a letter tailored to your facts, citing the relevant contract and limitation law.

What Kenyan law says

Contractual debts are enforceable under the Law of Contract Act (Cap. 23, Laws of Kenya), which recognises binding written and oral agreements. Your right to recover property — including money owed — is also grounded in Article 40 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Most contract-based claims must be brought within six years of the cause of action accruing, under Section 4(1) of the Limitation of Actions Act (Cap. 22, Laws of Kenya). A demand letter typically references this period to signal that you reserve your right to sue within the statutory window.

A formal demand also constitutes pre-litigation notice under the Civil Procedure Act (Cap. 21, Laws of Kenya). If the debtor does not settle, the next step is usually a civil suit in the Magistrates' Court, High Court, or Small Claims Court depending on the amount in dispute.

What it covers

  • Personal or business loans
  • Unpaid invoices and delivered goods
  • Services rendered but not paid for
  • Salary or wages owed in commercial contexts
  • Rent or lease payments owed to you

Cost and timeline

On Noticus, a debt recovery demand letter costs KES 2,500 for standard processing (letter drafted and ready within 3–5 business days after you complete intake and payment). Urgent processing (24–48 hours) is available for an additional fee. This is substantially less than instructing a firm on a retainer for a single letter.

Noticus price: KES 2,500 (standard processing)

What happens if they ignore the letter?

If the debtor ignores the letter or refuses to pay, you can institute civil proceedings without further notice. The letter becomes evidence that you gave a clear opportunity to settle. You may recover the principal sum, any contractually agreed interest, and costs of suit if you succeed. The appropriate court depends on the claim value — many debts under KES 1 million can be pursued in the Small Claims Court.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter for debt in Kenya?
You can write to a debtor yourself, but a letter on registered advocate letterhead carries significantly more weight. Noticus connects you to a Kenyan lawyer who drafts and issues the letter on official letterhead — it is not a generic template.
What is the time limit for suing on a contract debt in Kenya?
Under Section 4(1) of the Limitation of Actions Act (Cap. 22), actions founded on contract generally must be brought within six years from when the cause of action accrued. A demand letter helps preserve your position while you decide whether to litigate.
How long should I give the debtor to pay?
Most Kenyan demand letters allow 14 days from receipt to pay or respond. This is a practical standard reflected in pre-litigation practice and gives the recipient a fair opportunity to comply before court proceedings.
What documents should I have before starting?
Useful documents include the written agreement or invoice, proof of delivery of goods or services, payment records, and any prior reminders you sent. You can upload supporting documents during Noticus intake to strengthen the letter.
Can I use this for unpaid invoices and business debts?
Yes. Debt recovery letters cover personal loans, unpaid invoices, goods supplied, services rendered, and other clear payment obligations — whether you are an individual or a business.

Start your letter

Complete the steps below. A registered Kenyan advocate will draft your demand on official letterhead.

Step 1 of 5

About you

Who is sending this letter?

We need your details as the person or business making the demand.

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