Kenya Law Society Sues Govt for Contempt Over Undisclosed SGR Contracts
Kenya Law Society files contempt case against government over nondisclosure of SGR contracts.
Why it matters: This case spotlights persistent judicial-government conflict in Kenya and highlights legal compliance risks in governance. It is vital for legal professionals monitoring rule-of-law and transparency issues in emerging markets.
- On June 10, 2026, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Katiba Institute filed a contempt application at Kenya's High Court.
- The government was ordered on May 16, 2022, to disclose Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) contracts but failed to comply.
- National Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo and Transport PS Mohamed Daghar are summoned to explain the nondisclosure.
- Activists Khelef Khalifa and Wanjiru Gikonyo, involved in the original case, claim deliberate disobedience by officials.
On June 10, 2026, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Katiba Institute filed a contempt of court application in the High Court of Kenya against the national government. The suit responds to noncompliance with a May 16, 2022 judicial order requiring public disclosure of contracts related to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.
The May 2022 order aimed to promote transparency and uphold Kenyans’ constitutional right to access public information. Despite the rulings, the government has not made these contracts publicly available.
The contempt filing names Principal Secretaries Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury and Planning) and Mohamed Daghar (Transport) as respondents. They are required to explain why they should not be sanctioned for disregarding the court order, which followed case number 005/2022.
Activists Khelef Khalifa and Wanjiru Gikonyo, who were petitioners in the original disclosure suit, alleged that the officials "have deliberately disobeyed the orders of this court issued on May 16, 2022, despite having been served with the orders and decree." Their involvement highlights ongoing civil society efforts to ensure government accountability.
This legal action underscores recurring tensions between the Kenyan judiciary and executive branch, raising important questions about government transparency and rule of law adherence. Independent reporting from Daily Nation confirms the sustained national scrutiny over SGR contract secrecy.
For legal and compliance professionals, the case demonstrates heightened risks when governments defy court orders, with implications for public trust and governance standards in emerging markets.
By the numbers:
- June 10, 2026 — Filing date of contempt application by LSK and Katiba Institute
- May 16, 2022 — Original High Court order demanding SGR contract disclosure
Yes, but: While the contempt suit highlights noncompliance, the government has not publicly explained reasons for withholding the SGR contracts, which could impact case outcomes.
What's next: The High Court will schedule hearings for the contempt application to determine whether sanctions against the government officials will proceed.