In a major win for gender equality, the High Court has ruled that Section 29(c) of Kenya’s Law of Succession Act is unconstitutional. The court found that the clause discriminated against widowers, marking a significant step towards fairer inheritance laws.
Highlights:
- High Court declares Section 29(c) of the Succession Act unconstitutional.
- The law was found to discriminate against widowers.
- The ruling sets a precedent for gender-equal inheritance rights.
- Activists hail the decision as a big step for justice and equality.
Main Story:
The High Court has delivered a landmark judgment by nullifying Section 29(c) of the Law of Succession Act. The section had long been criticised for favouring widows over widowers in matters of inheritance, creating an imbalance that the court found to be unconstitutional.

The ruling followed a legal challenge arguing that the provision violated the rights of men whose spouses had died, denying them equal recognition as dependants under succession law.
In its judgment, the court emphasised that laws governing inheritance must treat men and women equally. The decision is expected to prompt a review of succession policies to ensure that no one is disadvantaged based on gender.
Legal experts and rights groups have praised the verdict, saying it reinforces Kenya’s constitutional commitment to gender equality.
The decision could open the door for similar legal reviews of other outdated or discriminatory laws. Families affected by succession disputes may also see a shift in how courts handle inheritance claims involving widowers.
True justice leaves no room for discrimination — and this ruling just brought Kenya closer to that goal.