Immani Blog

From Immani — Kenya's dispute resolution infrastructure.

How do you prove you had an oral agreement — can you recover money lent with no contract in Kenya?

September 21, 2026
Key Takeaway

Learn how to prove an oral agreement and recover money lent with no contract in Kenya using Immani.

Under Kenyan law, an oral agreement is considered a valid contract — Immani lets you take action to recover money lent with no contract. Why this happens: Many Kenyans lend money to friends, family, or business partners without a written contract, only to struggle to recover their money when the borrower defaults. The usual advice is to go to court, but this can be time-consuming and expensive. How Immani works in this specific context: If you lent money with no contract, you can file a dispute against the borrower's phone number using Immani. This costs KSh 100 and allows you to describe what happened and the amount owed. The borrower will be notified immediately and has a short private window to respond and engage directly. If there is no response, the dispute becomes visible to anyone who looks up that phone number within Immani, which can prompt a reply. What happens next, concretely:

  1. You file a dispute against the borrower's phone number using Immani, describing what happened and the amount owed.
  2. The borrower is notified immediately and has a short private window to respond and engage directly.
  3. If there is no response, the dispute becomes visible to anyone who looks up that phone number within Immani.
  4. You can negotiate a settlement or payment plan with the borrower.
  5. If an agreement is reached, you can close the dispute on Immani and confirm that the issue is resolved. 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 is an oral agreement?

An oral agreement is a contract that is not written down, but is still considered valid under Kenyan law.

Can I recover money lent with no contract in Kenya?

Yes, you can recover money lent with no contract in Kenya using Immani.

How do I prove an oral agreement?

You can prove an oral agreement by providing evidence of the agreement, such as witness statements, text messages, or emails.

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

It costs KSh 100 to file a dispute on Immani, and KSh 3,000 to close the dispute if an agreement is reached.

Is Immani a law firm?

No, Immani is not a law firm and does 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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