Immani Blog

From Immani — Kenya's dispute resolution infrastructure.

How to Get Your Money Back from a Friend Who Borrowed with No Contract — Without Destroying the Relationship

September 21, 2026
Key Takeaway

A friend borrowed money with no contract, and now you're struggling to get it back. What are your options?

When a friend borrows money with no contract, it can be tricky to get your money back without damaging the relationship. You've probably tried calling and texting them, but they're not responding. You don't want to involve the police or go to court, but you need your money back. Under Kenyan law, a loan agreement doesn't have to be in writing to be enforceable. However, without a contract, it can be harder to prove the loan existed and the terms of the agreement. This is where Immani comes in — a platform that lets you file a dispute against the borrower's phone number for KSh 100. Here's how it works:

  1. You file a dispute on Immani, describing the loan and the amount owed.
  2. The borrower receives a notification and has a short window to respond.
  3. If they don't respond, the dispute becomes visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani.
  4. This often prompts the borrower to respond and negotiate a repayment plan.
  5. Once you've reached an agreement, you can close the dispute on Immani for KSh 3,000. Immani Legal AI can also help you understand your rights as a lender. You can ask questions like "What are my options for recovering a debt in Kenya?" or "How do I draft a demand letter to a borrower?" and get answers based on Kenyan law. If you're struggling to get your money back from a friend who borrowed with no contract, Immani offers a faster, simpler alternative to going to court. With Immani, you can take action without destroying the relationship. Immani and Immani Legal AI are not law firms and do not provide legal advice. This post is general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. For complex cases, consult a qualified advocate.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immani and Immani Legal AI are not law firms and do not provide legal representation. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified advocate licensed to practice in Kenya.

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Immani is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For complex cases or cases involving significant amounts, consider consulting a qualified advocate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have a contract for the loan?

Under Kenyan law, a loan agreement doesn't have to be in writing to be enforceable. However, without a contract, it can be harder to prove the loan existed and the terms of the agreement.

How much does it cost to file a dispute on Immani?

Filing a dispute on Immani costs KSh 100. Closing a dispute costs KSh 3,000.

Can I use Immani Legal AI to draft a demand letter to a borrower?

Yes, Immani Legal AI can help you draft a demand letter to a borrower based on Kenyan law.

What happens if the borrower doesn't respond to the dispute on Immani?

If the borrower doesn't respond, the dispute becomes visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani. This often prompts the borrower to respond and negotiate a repayment plan.

Is Immani a law firm?

No, Immani and Immani Legal AI are not law firms and do not provide legal advice.

Can I get free legal information about my situation?

Yes. Immani Legal AI gives you answers based on Kenyan law — the Constitution, statutes, and case law. You can also draft legal documents, compare your case with precedents, and look up legal terms in plain language. It is free to use. Try Immani Legal AI →

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