REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAROK
COMMERCIAL MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO. E003 OF 2024
(CORAM: HON. CHARLES M. KARIUKI – J)
IN THE MATTER OF: THE ARBITRATION ACT NO. 5 OF 1995
AND
IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE ARBITRAL AWARD
BETWEEN
NAROK COUNTY GOVERNMENT…...………………………...APPLICANT
VERSUS
EQUITY BANK LIMITED ………….…………………………...RESPONDENT
RULING
31/07/2025
1. There are three applications before this Court for determination. (1) ONE OF THE APPLICATIONS IS BY THE APPLICANT SEEKING TO SET ASIDE AWARD-vide a notice of motion dated 25/06/2024, praying for the orders.
I. Spent.
II. Spent.
III. THAT this Honourable Court be pleased to set aside in its entirety, the Final Award of Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator) published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, awarding the Respondent the principal sum of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= and incurred costs of Kes. 110,895,329.96/= and simple interest on the amount of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= at the rate of 12% per annum.
IV. THAT the Final Award of Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator) published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, be and is hereby declared null and void.
V. That this honourable court order the commencement of the arbitration proceedings anew under a new Arbitrator.
VI. The costs of this Application should be provided for.
2. The Application is premised on Article 25 (c), 48, 50 (1), 159 (2) (d) of the Constitution, Section 35 of the Arbitration Act; Sections 1A, 1B & 3A of the Civil Procedure Act, and Rule 7 of the Arbitration Rules.
3. The Application is based on the grounds set out on the face of the Application and the supporting affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 25/06/2024.
4. (2) THE RESPONDENT HEREIN ALSO FILED AN APPLICATION FOR THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE AWARD on 08/07/2024 at Mililani Law Courts (Mililani Commercial Misc. Application E040 of 2024 Equity Bank Limited Vs. Narok County Government), which was transferred to Narok Law Courts to be heard together with the Application seeking to set aside the Arbitral Award.
5. The Respondent herein sought the following order:
6. The Final Arbitral Award published on March 26 by a sole Arbitrator, Rajinder Billing, shall be adopted and enforced as a decree of this Court.
7. (3) THE APPLICANT FILED ANOTHER APPLICATION DATED 19/11/2024, SEEKING THE ORDERS. -SEEKING LEAVE TO FILE THE APPLICANT'S PLEADINGS; Praying.
I. THAT the Honourable Court grant the Applicant leave to file the Applicant's pleadings and documents before this Honourable Court, which were filed at the arbitral proceedings before Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator).
II. THAT the Applicant's pleadings and documents attached to this Application be deemed to be duly filed before the Honourable Court for the just determination of the matter.
III. Those costs of the Application to be in the cause.
IV. THAT the Court be pleased to grant any such other order(s) as the Court may deem fit.
8. The Application is premised on Article 50(1), 159(2)(d) and (e) of the Constitution, Section 35 of the Arbitration Act, Order 50 Rule 6 & Order 51 Rule of the Civil Procedure Rules, 2010.
9. The Application is based on the grounds set out on the face of the Application and the supporting affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 19/11/2024.
10. The background.
11. A dispute arose between the parties after the Applicant terminated an agreement it had entered into with the Respondent, dated April 19, 2011, for the provision of a smart card system for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
12. The dispute was before the Arbitrator from August 2013 and after an extensive process that include parties filing pleadings together with supporting evidence and making submissions the sole arbitrator Rajinder billing published his Award inter alia holding that the Applicant had unlawfully terminated the Agreement it had entered with the Respondent dated 19/04/2011 for provision of a smart card system for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
13. On June 24, 2024, the Hon. Arbitrator wrote to the parties and informed them to collect the Final Award from his Chambers upon receipt of the full fees in the sum of Kes. 18,364,830.00/=. The Applicant collected the Final Award from the Honourable Arbitrator Chambers on June 24, 2024.
14. The Hon. Arbitrator awarded the Claimant (Respondent herein) the principal sum of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= and incurred costs of Kes. 110,895,329.96/= and interest on the amount of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= at the rate of 12% per annum at simple interest. To be paid by the Respondent within 180 days after the date of publication of the Final Award.
15. The Applicant contends that the Arbitrator exhibited bias against the Applicant by not considering its evidence and submissions as made. Applicant adds that the Applicant complains that the Award contains decisions on matters not pleaded by the Claimant/Respondent. Furthermore, the arbitral Award addressed a dispute not covered by the terms of the reference to arbitration and included decisions on matters outside the scope of the arbitration agreement. Further, the Arbitrator went against public policy, as the decision did not consider the various legal and financial obligations of the Applicant.
16. Aggrieved by the Tribunal's Award, the Applicant has filed the instant Application seeking to set aside the same.
17. The Applicant referred to Pages 16 and 17 of the Arbitral Award in its submissions. A perusal of pages 16 and 17 of the Final Arbitral Award indicates a List of the Applicant's Pleadings and Documents, being paragraphs 31.1 to 31.15 of the Award. To assist the Honourable Court in referring to the documents alluded to therein, the Applicant wishes to provide the following specific documents to the Honourable Court: i. Applicant's Point of Défense & Counterclaim dated December 4, 2014; ii. Applicant's List and Bundle of Documents dated January 4, 2015; iii. Applicant's 1st Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; iv. Applicant's 2nd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; v. Applicant's 3rd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; vi. Applicant's Written Submissions dated June 26, 2023, and the List of Authorities dated June 26, 2023
18. The Applicant contends that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above would be of value to the Honourable Court in making a just determination on the Application.
19. The Applicant argued that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above were subject to the arbitration proceedings and are not any new or unfamiliar documents to the Respondent herein.
20. The response.
21. The Respondent opposed the Application vide replying affidavit sworn by JOHN NJENGA on 08/07/2024.
22. The Respondent contends that the Applicant has not specified what evidence or submissions were not considered, what matters in the Award were not pleaded, any dispute within the reference to arbitration, or matters beyond the scope of the reference in the Award.
23. The Respondent contends that public policy does not come into the matter at all, further that they are not aware of the legal and financial obligations of the Applicant, which the Award allegedly offends.
24. The Respondent contends that the seat of arbitration was Nairobi, and that would be the appropriate location for the hearing of the Application. The Respondent has already applied to enforce the Award before the High Court in Nairobi, as the arbitral proceedings were in Nairobi, and litigation prior to the arbitration over the same matter was also in Nairobi.
25. The Respondent also opposed the Application vide grounds of opposition dated 08/07/2024 on the following grounds: The Application was filed out of time. The parties having been notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024, the last day for filing an application challenging the Award was June 26, 2024.
26. The Applicant has concealed material information, as the parties were notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024. There is no jurisdiction to declare an award null and void.
27. Except for section 35 of the Arbitration Act and rule 7 of the arbitration rules, none of the other provisions cited by the Applicant confer any jurisdiction to make the orders sought. The Applicant was obliged to object under section 17(3) of the Arbitration Act as soon as they became aware that the Arbitrator was delving into matters outside the scope of the reference.
28. The Applicant has not met the threshold set out in section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act, Cap 49, Laws of Kenya (the Arbitration Act), for setting aside an award.
29. The Applicant has not demonstrated that the Arbitrator had any interest, association, conduct, or extraneous knowledge that would support the allegation of bias against the Applicant. Heineken East Africa Import Company Limited & Another V Maxam Limited [2024] KECA 625(KLR) is cited.
30. The allegation that the Arbitrator determined a dispute outside the terms and scope of the reference or dealt with issues not pleaded was not raised before the Arbitrator. The Applicant is deemed to have waived the right to raise these objections in these proceedings as per section 5 of the Arbitration Act. Easy Properties Limited & another v Express Connections Limited & Another [2021] KEHC 19(KLR).
31. This Court's Jurisdiction to set aside awards is limited to the circumstances set out in section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. This Court lacks Jurisdiction to set aside an award based on the Arbitrator's alleged bias or failure to consider the Applicant's legal and financial obligations. Godson Sixty-One School Limited V Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900 (KLR).
32. Section 41 of the Arbitration Act provides that the Act is binding on the government, which includes the Application as a county government. The arbitral Award cannot be set aside based on claims that the Arbitrator ignored legal and financial obligations which are peculiar to the Applicant as a county government.
33. The Applicant has not demonstrated that the Award violated Kenya's public policy as interpreted in Christ for All Nations V Apollo Insurance Co. Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366. The Claim that the arbitral Award violates public policy is therefore without merit. No factual or legal basis has been laid for the grant of the orders sought. The Application is without merit and is an abuse of the court process. Other grounds and reasons are set out in the affidavit of John Njenga.
34. In response to the chamber summons Application dated 08/07/2024, the Applicant herein filed a Replying Affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 24/10/ 2024 in opposition to the said Application.
35. In response to the notice of motion dated 19/11/2024, the Respondent filed an affidavit sworn by SAMUEL WAMAITHA on 13/01/2025.
36. The Respondent contends that this Court lacks Jurisdiction to evaluate the merits of the Award when considering an application to set aside an award, and no useful purpose will be served by allowing the Applicant to file its papers from arbitration. Further, the papers the Applicant seeks to file were available at the time of applying, setting aside. No explanation has been given for the failure to file the pleadings together with the Application for setting aside. The supporting affidavit to the Application to set aside does not refer to the said papers.
37. The Respondent contends that both parties have submitted their responses to the Application. Therefore, the Respondent will be prejudiced if the Application is allowed, as they will be required to file further responses and submissions in opposition to the Application for setting aside. It will also delay the expeditious resolution of the matter.
38. The Respondent also opposed the Application dated 19/11/2024, vide grounds of opposition dated 13/01/2025, as follows.
39. There is no jurisdiction to make the orders sought.
40. The Arbitration Act is a comprehensive code, and its provisions supersede those of the Constitution, the Civil Procedure Act, and the rules. See Anne Mumbi Hinga v Victoria Njoki Gathara [2009] eKLR and Godson Sixty-One School Limited v Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR).
41. Section 35 of the Arbitration Act does not confer Jurisdiction to make the orders sought. The Applicant is guilty of delay. The papers filed by the claimant in the arbitration were available for filing at the time the Application to set aside was filed. No explanation has been provided for the Applicant's failure to file the papers at that time.
42. The Applicant is effectively seeking to introduce additional evidence to address the gaps in its case. The Respondent has already filed its responses and submissions on the Application to set aside the Award published by Rajinder Billing on March 26, 2024(the Award) and will be prejudiced if the Application is allowed.
43. The Court does not review the merits of the Award in an application seeking to set aside an award. It does not sit on appeal against an arbitral award. The papers will not assist the Court in determining the Application to set aside. The papers that the Applicant seeks to produce are not relevant to the setting aside Application, and no useful purpose will be served by allowing the Applicant to file them.
44. No reference to the papers has been made in the setting aside Application, and the Application has failed to establish any valid basis for filing the papers. The Application is intended to delay the timely determination of the setting aside Application. The Application is without merit and is an abuse of the court process—other grounds and reasons set out in the affidavit of SAMUEL WAMAITHA.
45. Directions of the Court.
46. The applications were argued via written submissions, which were highlighted.
47. The Applicant's submissions.
48. The Applicant submitted that this Court has original and unlimited Jurisdiction to determine the Application herein as per Article 165 of the Constitution, 2010, as read together with Section 35 of the Arbitration Act. The High Court has original and unlimited Jurisdiction to set aside and declare an Arbitral Award null and void. The Applicant relied on section 41 of the Arbitration Act.
49. The Applicant submitted that the Application was filed within the time specified in Section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. The documents were lodged and paid for before midnight on June 26, 2024. However, due to delays encountered by the e-filing system and the Judiciary pay bill via KCB, the payment confirmation message was received six (6) minutes later (12:06 a.m.).
50. The Applicant submitted that there is no concealment of a material fact by the Applicant, as it is clear from the annexed Award that the Arbitrator notified the parties that the Award was ready on March 26, 2024, when it was published. However, it was not released to the parties until June 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
51. The Applicant submitted that they had met the threshold for setting aside an Award under section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. Therefore, the Application has merit before this Honourable Court, and the grounds of opposition dated July 8, 2024, ought to be dismissed with costs.
52. The Applicant submitted that the Final Award of Hon. Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator), published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, ought to be set aside in its entirety. Firstly, the Arbitrator exhibited bias by failing to consider the Applicant's evidence and written submissions. Despite the Applicant adducing sufficient evidence, the Hon. Arbitrator still determined that the Applicant, on a balance of probability, has not proved failure of the smart card system and that there was no material breach on the part of the Respondent. The Applicant relied on Section 35 of the Arbitration Act 1995.
53. The Applicant submitted that the Award contains decisions on matters not pleaded by the Respondent. The investment costs were not part of the tender terms. This particular matter should be resolved in other forums based on the relevant procurement laws. The Applicant relied on National Bank of Kenya Limited v Moeish Consult Limited [2020] eKLR; the Court cited the case of Synergy Credit Limited v Cape Holdings Limited NRB CA Civil Appeal No. 71 of 2016 [2020] eKLR.
54. The Applicant submitted that the Hon. Arbitrator went against public policy as the decision did not consider the various legal and financial obligations on the Applicant. The Applicant is a public institution established under Article 176 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and derives its revenue from public funds; therefore, the Hon. Arbitrator was bound to treat the Applicant accordingly. The Award granted was excessive and unjustifiably high, given the colossal public funds involved.
55. The Award will therefore cause the Respondent to be unjustly and unfairly enriched from the loss of the Applicant. The Arbitrator awarded the Respondent colossal sums of money despite the same not being provided for in the Agreement between the parties or proved as owed before the arbitral tribunal, the only reason that led to the Award of the colossal sums was the anticipation of the same in the Agreement which the Applicant terminated for breach on the part of the Respondent, which leads to unjust enrichment on the part of the Respondent.
56. Thus, challenge the Award of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= on the basis that the Hon. Arbitrator awarded the amounts as anticipated commissions for 10 years, whereas the Respondent had only performed the contract for 2 years. Because the Applicant, probably after the termination of the contract, procured the services of another service provider to undertake the exact role of revenue collection. Does it mean that taxpayers' money would be used twice for payment of the same services over the same period?
57. This is contrary to public policy and is likely to result in unjust enrichment. The Applicant relied on Attorney General (On Behalf of the Republic of Kenya & the National Youth Service) v N. K. Brothers Limited (Arbitration Cause E047 of 2021 & E039 of 2022 (Consolidated)) [2023] КЕНС 22503 (KLR) (Commercial and Tax) (September 26, 2023) (Ruling); Mall Developers Limited v Postal Corporation of Kenya ML Misc. No. 26 of 2013 [2014] eKLR and Capture Solutions Limited v Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited [2020] eKLR
58. The Applicant submitted that the additional Award of interest is punitive and amounts to unjust enrichment to the extent that, if enforced, it would injure public finances. The Award of the additional 12% interest contravenes Kenya's public policy. Surprisingly, the same was not awarded on the alleged payment of incurred expenses in the sum of Kes. 110,895,329.96/=.
59. The Applicant submitted that they are entitled to the prayers sought, having met the threshold provided under Section 35 of the Arbitration Act.
60. The Applicant submitted that the Respondent has not satisfied the conditions as set out in section 36 of the Arbitration Act. The Respondent annexed exhibits "JN 1" and "JN 2", which do not satisfy the provisions to warrant the enforcement and recognition of the final Award. The Applicant contends that it has filed an application seeking to set aside the Arbitral award, which is pending determination before this Honourable Court. The Application seeking to set aside the final Arbitral award raises serious grounds for setting aside the Award; therefore, the recognition and enforcement of the Award cannot be granted. The Applicant relied on sections 36, 37 of the Arbitration Act, Samura Engineering Limited vs Don-Wood Co Ltd [2014] eKLR cited in Machiri Limited v Kenya Airport Authority (Commercial Arbitration Cause E057 & E053 of 2023 (Consolidated)) [2024] КЕНC 3303 (KLR) (Commercial and Tаx) (March 21, 2024) (Ruling).
61. The Applicant submitted that the Sole Arbitrator dealt with matters beyond the scope of the reference. The Applicant contends that the investment costs were challenged before the Arbitrator, and the Applicant's position is that the same were not part of the contracted terms. The costs as set out were without any basis for failure to follow procurement processes, which entail requisition, tendering, and final selection of the supplier. Therefore, the said investment costs would have been resolved in other forums based on the relevant procurement laws. The Applicant relied on the case of Mahican Investments Limited & 3 Others v Giovanni Gaida & 80 Others [2005] eKLR.
62. The Applicant submitted that the decision on whether to allow additional evidence is discretionary and should be exercised judiciously. The Applicant contends that the documents it seeks to adduce are not new to the Respondent, and the Respondent will not be prejudiced, as they may be granted an opportunity to file further responses. The Applicant contends that they relied on Section 35 of the Arbitration Act, Article 50(1) and 159(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, and Kikenni Properties Limited vs. Vipingo Ridge Limited (2021) eKLR.
63. The Respondent's submissions.
64. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant's Application has not met the parameters set out in Heineken's case supra. Further, the Applicant has not specified the pleadings or evidence that were allegedly not considered. The Respondent relied on Heineken East Africa Import Company Limited & Another v Maxam Limited [2024] KECA 625 (KLR).
65. The Respondent submitted that by not challenging the Arbitrator's alleged consideration of unpleaded issues or his alleged handling of matters beyond the scope of the reference during the arbitral proceedings, the Applicant waived the right to raise these objections in these proceedings.
66. The Respondent contends that the costs incurred by the Respondent to implement the SCC that the applicant claims were beyond the scope of reference were pleaded in the Respondent's statement of Claim before the Arbitrator, as shown in the Award. No objection was ever raised on the basis that the Claim was outside the scope of what could be referred to the Arbitrator. The Respondent relied on Easy Properties Limited & Another V Express Connections Limited & Another [2021] KEHC39(KLR), and section 5 of the Arbitration Act.
67. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant, in alleging that the Award offends public policy, has not cited a single statute or constitutional provision. The Respondent relied on Christ for All Nations v Apollo Insurance Co. Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366, cited with approval in Kenya Shell Limited V Kobil Petroleum Limited [2006] eKLR.
68. The Respondent submitted that the download from CTS on filings shows that the Application was filed on June 27, 2024, and not June 26, 2024, as alleged by the Applicant. The Respondent relied on Section 35(3) of the Arbitration Act.
69. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant cannot rely on sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Rules or articles 25©, 50(1), 159(2)(d) of the Constitution for the orders sought. The Respondent relied on Godson Sixty-One School Limited v Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR), and section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act.
70. The Respondent urged this Court to dismiss the Application with costs and, consequently, to allow the Application that has been filed separately for recognition and enforcement of the Award.
71. The Respondent submitted that none of the provisions cited by the Applicant in the Application for additional documents aid the Applicant. Allowing the Application would contravene section 10 of the Arbitration Act. The Application lacks a basis in the Arbitration Act, and the provisions of law cited by the Applicant do not confer Jurisdiction to make the sought orders. Litigation must also come to an end. Further, the Applicant is guilty of inordinate and unexplained delay. The papers will serve no useful purpose in these proceedings. The Respondent relied on Anne Mumbi Hinga V Victoria Njoki Gathara [2009] KECA 466(KLR), Godson Sixty-One School Limited V Symbiont Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR), Jadesa Tuke Dabelo V Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission & Another [2015] KECA 1005(KLR), Nicholas Kiptoo Arap Korir Salat V Independent Electoral And Boundaries Commission, Wilfred Rotich Lesan, Robert Siolei, Returning Officer, Bomet County, Kennedy Ochanyo, Wilfred Wainaina, Patrick Wanyama & Mark Manzo [2013] KECA 113(KLR), Rule 11 of the Arbitration Rules, Kenya Commercial Bank V David Gachuiga & 2 Others [2007] KEHC 2443(KLR), Kimathi & Another V Muriuki & 12 Others [2023] KECA 666(KLR), Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi V Mwangi Stephen Muriithi & Another [2014] KECA 642(KLR), and Samuel Kamau Muhindi V Blue Shield Insurance Company Ltd [2010] KEHC 1041(KLR).
72. ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION.
73. This Court considered the applications, the respective supporting affidavits, the respective replying affidavits, the respective grounds of opposition, and the respective parties' submissions.
74. Issues
75. Three applications are before this Court for determination. The main issues for determination are:
I. Whether the Application to set aside the arbitral Award was filed out of time.
II. Whether leave should be granted to the Applicant to file additional documents.
III. Whether this Court should set aside in its entirety the Final Award.
IV. Whether the Award should be adopted and enforced.
Whether the Application was filed out of time.
76. The Respondent contends that the Application was filed out of time. The parties having been notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024, the last day for filing an application challenging the Award was June 26, 2024. Furthermore, the Applicant has concealed material information, as the parties were notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024.
77. The Respondent submitted that the download from CTS on filings shows that the Application was filed on June 27, 2024, and not June 26, 2024, as alleged by the Applicant.
78. According to the Applicant, the Application was filed within the time limit. The documents were lodged and paid for before midnight on 26/06/2024. However, due to delays encountered by the e-filing system and the Judiciary pay bill via KCB, the payment confirmation message was received six (6) minutes later (12:06 a.m.).
79. The Applicant submitted that there is no concealment of a material fact by the Applicant, as it is clear from the annexed Award that the Arbitrator notified the parties that the Award was ready on March 26, 2024, when it was published. However, it was not released to the parties until June 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
80. The time limit within which to apply to set aside an arbitral award is governed by Section 35(3) of the Arbitration Act, which provides. Sect 35(3). An application for setting aside the arbitral Award may not be made after 3 months have elapsed from the date on which the party making that Application had received the arbitral Award, or if a request had been made under section 34, from the date on which the arbitral Award had disposed of that request.
81. In Christ for All Nations v Apollo Insurance Co Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366, the Court held that the 3-month time frame is strict and cannot be extended, not even by the Court under the Civil Procedure Rules.
82. This Court notes that the Applicant's advocate filed documents on June 26, 2024, at 23:58:59. However, the system indicates that no documents were successfully uploaded until June 27, 2024, at 00:03:44, when the upload was completed. In the circumstances, this Court grants the Applicant the benefit of doubt and considers the Application as having been filed within the prescribed time.
83. Whether leave should be granted to the Applicant to file additional documents.
84. The Applicant referred to Pages 16 and 17 of the Arbitral Award in its submissions. A perusal of pages 16 and 17 of the Final Arbitral Award indicates a List of the Applicant's Pleadings and Documents, being paragraphs 31.1 to 31.15 of the Award. To assist the Court in referring to the documents alluded to therein, the Applicant wishes to provide the following specific documents to the Court: i. Applicant's Point of Défense & Counterclaim dated December 4, 2014; ii. Applicant's List and Bundle of Documents dated January 4, 2015; iii. Applicant's 1st Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; iv. Applicant's 2nd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; v. Applicant's 3rd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; vi. Applicant's Written Submissions dated June 26, 2023, and the List of Authorities dated June 26, 2023
85. The Applicant contends that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above would be of value to the Court in making a just determination on the Application.
86. The Applicant argued that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above were subject to the arbitration proceedings and are not any new or unfamiliar documents to the Respondent herein.
87. The Applicant submitted that the decision on whether to allow additional evidence is discretionary and should be exercised judiciously. The Applicant contends that the documents it seeks to adduce are not new to the Respondent, and the Respondent will not be prejudiced, as they may be granted an opportunity to file further responses.
88. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant cannot rely on sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Rules or articles 25©, 50(1), 159(2)(d) of the Constitution for the orders sought.
89. The Respondent submits that none of the provisions cited by the Applicant in support of the Application for leave to file additional documents—namely Sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Act and Articles 25(c), 50(1), and 159(2)(d) of the Const
[...truncated]
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAROK
COMMERCIAL MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATION NO. E003 OF 2024
(CORAM: HON. CHARLES M. KARIUKI – J)
IN THE MATTER OF: THE ARBITRATION ACT NO. 5 OF 1995
AND
IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE ARBITRAL AWARD
BETWEEN
NAROK COUNTY GOVERNMENT…...………………………...APPLICANT
VERSUS
EQUITY BANK LIMITED ………….…………………………...RESPONDENT
RULING
31/07/2025
1. There are three applications before this Court for determination. (1) ONE OF THE APPLICATIONS IS BY THE APPLICANT SEEKING TO SET ASIDE AWARD-vide a notice of motion dated 25/06/2024, praying for the orders.
I. Spent.
II. Spent.
III. THAT this Honourable Court be pleased to set aside in its entirety, the Final Award of Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator) published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, awarding the Respondent the principal sum of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= and incurred costs of Kes. 110,895,329.96/= and simple interest on the amount of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= at the rate of 12% per annum.
IV. THAT the Final Award of Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator) published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, be and is hereby declared null and void.
V. That this honourable court order the commencement of the arbitration proceedings anew under a new Arbitrator.
VI. The costs of this Application should be provided for.
2. The Application is premised on Article 25 (c), 48, 50 (1), 159 (2) (d) of the Constitution, Section 35 of the Arbitration Act; Sections 1A, 1B & 3A of the Civil Procedure Act, and Rule 7 of the Arbitration Rules.
3. The Application is based on the grounds set out on the face of the Application and the supporting affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 25/06/2024.
4. (2) THE RESPONDENT HEREIN ALSO FILED AN APPLICATION FOR THE RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE AWARD on 08/07/2024 at Mililani Law Courts (Mililani Commercial Misc. Application E040 of 2024 Equity Bank Limited Vs. Narok County Government), which was transferred to Narok Law Courts to be heard together with the Application seeking to set aside the Arbitral Award.
5. The Respondent herein sought the following order:
6. The Final Arbitral Award published on March 26 by a sole Arbitrator, Rajinder Billing, shall be adopted and enforced as a decree of this Court.
7. (3) THE APPLICANT FILED ANOTHER APPLICATION DATED 19/11/2024, SEEKING THE ORDERS. -SEEKING LEAVE TO FILE THE APPLICANT'S PLEADINGS; Praying.
I. THAT the Honourable Court grant the Applicant leave to file the Applicant's pleadings and documents before this Honourable Court, which were filed at the arbitral proceedings before Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator).
II. THAT the Applicant's pleadings and documents attached to this Application be deemed to be duly filed before the Honourable Court for the just determination of the matter.
III. Those costs of the Application to be in the cause.
IV. THAT the Court be pleased to grant any such other order(s) as the Court may deem fit.
8. The Application is premised on Article 50(1), 159(2)(d) and (e) of the Constitution, Section 35 of the Arbitration Act, Order 50 Rule 6 & Order 51 Rule of the Civil Procedure Rules, 2010.
9. The Application is based on the grounds set out on the face of the Application and the supporting affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 19/11/2024.
10. The background.
11. A dispute arose between the parties after the Applicant terminated an agreement it had entered into with the Respondent, dated April 19, 2011, for the provision of a smart card system for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
12. The dispute was before the Arbitrator from August 2013 and after an extensive process that include parties filing pleadings together with supporting evidence and making submissions the sole arbitrator Rajinder billing published his Award inter alia holding that the Applicant had unlawfully terminated the Agreement it had entered with the Respondent dated 19/04/2011 for provision of a smart card system for the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
13. On June 24, 2024, the Hon. Arbitrator wrote to the parties and informed them to collect the Final Award from his Chambers upon receipt of the full fees in the sum of Kes. 18,364,830.00/=. The Applicant collected the Final Award from the Honourable Arbitrator Chambers on June 24, 2024.
14. The Hon. Arbitrator awarded the Claimant (Respondent herein) the principal sum of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= and incurred costs of Kes. 110,895,329.96/= and interest on the amount of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= at the rate of 12% per annum at simple interest. To be paid by the Respondent within 180 days after the date of publication of the Final Award.
15. The Applicant contends that the Arbitrator exhibited bias against the Applicant by not considering its evidence and submissions as made. Applicant adds that the Applicant complains that the Award contains decisions on matters not pleaded by the Claimant/Respondent. Furthermore, the arbitral Award addressed a dispute not covered by the terms of the reference to arbitration and included decisions on matters outside the scope of the arbitration agreement. Further, the Arbitrator went against public policy, as the decision did not consider the various legal and financial obligations of the Applicant.
16. Aggrieved by the Tribunal's Award, the Applicant has filed the instant Application seeking to set aside the same.
17. The Applicant referred to Pages 16 and 17 of the Arbitral Award in its submissions. A perusal of pages 16 and 17 of the Final Arbitral Award indicates a List of the Applicant's Pleadings and Documents, being paragraphs 31.1 to 31.15 of the Award. To assist the Honourable Court in referring to the documents alluded to therein, the Applicant wishes to provide the following specific documents to the Honourable Court: i. Applicant's Point of Défense & Counterclaim dated December 4, 2014; ii. Applicant's List and Bundle of Documents dated January 4, 2015; iii. Applicant's 1st Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; iv. Applicant's 2nd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; v. Applicant's 3rd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; vi. Applicant's Written Submissions dated June 26, 2023, and the List of Authorities dated June 26, 2023
18. The Applicant contends that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above would be of value to the Honourable Court in making a just determination on the Application.
19. The Applicant argued that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above were subject to the arbitration proceedings and are not any new or unfamiliar documents to the Respondent herein.
20. The response.
21. The Respondent opposed the Application vide replying affidavit sworn by JOHN NJENGA on 08/07/2024.
22. The Respondent contends that the Applicant has not specified what evidence or submissions were not considered, what matters in the Award were not pleaded, any dispute within the reference to arbitration, or matters beyond the scope of the reference in the Award.
23. The Respondent contends that public policy does not come into the matter at all, further that they are not aware of the legal and financial obligations of the Applicant, which the Award allegedly offends.
24. The Respondent contends that the seat of arbitration was Nairobi, and that would be the appropriate location for the hearing of the Application. The Respondent has already applied to enforce the Award before the High Court in Nairobi, as the arbitral proceedings were in Nairobi, and litigation prior to the arbitration over the same matter was also in Nairobi.
25. The Respondent also opposed the Application vide grounds of opposition dated 08/07/2024 on the following grounds: The Application was filed out of time. The parties having been notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024, the last day for filing an application challenging the Award was June 26, 2024.
26. The Applicant has concealed material information, as the parties were notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024. There is no jurisdiction to declare an award null and void.
27. Except for section 35 of the Arbitration Act and rule 7 of the arbitration rules, none of the other provisions cited by the Applicant confer any jurisdiction to make the orders sought. The Applicant was obliged to object under section 17(3) of the Arbitration Act as soon as they became aware that the Arbitrator was delving into matters outside the scope of the reference.
28. The Applicant has not met the threshold set out in section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act, Cap 49, Laws of Kenya (the Arbitration Act), for setting aside an award.
29. The Applicant has not demonstrated that the Arbitrator had any interest, association, conduct, or extraneous knowledge that would support the allegation of bias against the Applicant. Heineken East Africa Import Company Limited & Another V Maxam Limited [2024] KECA 625(KLR) is cited.
30. The allegation that the Arbitrator determined a dispute outside the terms and scope of the reference or dealt with issues not pleaded was not raised before the Arbitrator. The Applicant is deemed to have waived the right to raise these objections in these proceedings as per section 5 of the Arbitration Act. Easy Properties Limited & another v Express Connections Limited & Another [2021] KEHC 19(KLR).
31. This Court's Jurisdiction to set aside awards is limited to the circumstances set out in section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. This Court lacks Jurisdiction to set aside an award based on the Arbitrator's alleged bias or failure to consider the Applicant's legal and financial obligations. Godson Sixty-One School Limited V Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900 (KLR).
32. Section 41 of the Arbitration Act provides that the Act is binding on the government, which includes the Application as a county government. The arbitral Award cannot be set aside based on claims that the Arbitrator ignored legal and financial obligations which are peculiar to the Applicant as a county government.
33. The Applicant has not demonstrated that the Award violated Kenya's public policy as interpreted in Christ for All Nations V Apollo Insurance Co. Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366. The Claim that the arbitral Award violates public policy is therefore without merit. No factual or legal basis has been laid for the grant of the orders sought. The Application is without merit and is an abuse of the court process. Other grounds and reasons are set out in the affidavit of John Njenga.
34. In response to the chamber summons Application dated 08/07/2024, the Applicant herein filed a Replying Affidavit sworn by JOHN MAYIANI TUYA on 24/10/ 2024 in opposition to the said Application.
35. In response to the notice of motion dated 19/11/2024, the Respondent filed an affidavit sworn by SAMUEL WAMAITHA on 13/01/2025.
36. The Respondent contends that this Court lacks Jurisdiction to evaluate the merits of the Award when considering an application to set aside an award, and no useful purpose will be served by allowing the Applicant to file its papers from arbitration. Further, the papers the Applicant seeks to file were available at the time of applying, setting aside. No explanation has been given for the failure to file the pleadings together with the Application for setting aside. The supporting affidavit to the Application to set aside does not refer to the said papers.
37. The Respondent contends that both parties have submitted their responses to the Application. Therefore, the Respondent will be prejudiced if the Application is allowed, as they will be required to file further responses and submissions in opposition to the Application for setting aside. It will also delay the expeditious resolution of the matter.
38. The Respondent also opposed the Application dated 19/11/2024, vide grounds of opposition dated 13/01/2025, as follows.
39. There is no jurisdiction to make the orders sought.
40. The Arbitration Act is a comprehensive code, and its provisions supersede those of the Constitution, the Civil Procedure Act, and the rules. See Anne Mumbi Hinga v Victoria Njoki Gathara [2009] eKLR and Godson Sixty-One School Limited v Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR).
41. Section 35 of the Arbitration Act does not confer Jurisdiction to make the orders sought. The Applicant is guilty of delay. The papers filed by the claimant in the arbitration were available for filing at the time the Application to set aside was filed. No explanation has been provided for the Applicant's failure to file the papers at that time.
42. The Applicant is effectively seeking to introduce additional evidence to address the gaps in its case. The Respondent has already filed its responses and submissions on the Application to set aside the Award published by Rajinder Billing on March 26, 2024(the Award) and will be prejudiced if the Application is allowed.
43. The Court does not review the merits of the Award in an application seeking to set aside an award. It does not sit on appeal against an arbitral award. The papers will not assist the Court in determining the Application to set aside. The papers that the Applicant seeks to produce are not relevant to the setting aside Application, and no useful purpose will be served by allowing the Applicant to file them.
44. No reference to the papers has been made in the setting aside Application, and the Application has failed to establish any valid basis for filing the papers. The Application is intended to delay the timely determination of the setting aside Application. The Application is without merit and is an abuse of the court process—other grounds and reasons set out in the affidavit of SAMUEL WAMAITHA.
45. Directions of the Court.
46. The applications were argued via written submissions, which were highlighted.
47. The Applicant's submissions.
48. The Applicant submitted that this Court has original and unlimited Jurisdiction to determine the Application herein as per Article 165 of the Constitution, 2010, as read together with Section 35 of the Arbitration Act. The High Court has original and unlimited Jurisdiction to set aside and declare an Arbitral Award null and void. The Applicant relied on section 41 of the Arbitration Act.
49. The Applicant submitted that the Application was filed within the time specified in Section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. The documents were lodged and paid for before midnight on June 26, 2024. However, due to delays encountered by the e-filing system and the Judiciary pay bill via KCB, the payment confirmation message was received six (6) minutes later (12:06 a.m.).
50. The Applicant submitted that there is no concealment of a material fact by the Applicant, as it is clear from the annexed Award that the Arbitrator notified the parties that the Award was ready on March 26, 2024, when it was published. However, it was not released to the parties until June 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
51. The Applicant submitted that they had met the threshold for setting aside an Award under section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act. Therefore, the Application has merit before this Honourable Court, and the grounds of opposition dated July 8, 2024, ought to be dismissed with costs.
52. The Applicant submitted that the Final Award of Hon. Rajinder Billing (Sole Arbitrator), published on March 26, 2024, and delivered on June 24, 2024, ought to be set aside in its entirety. Firstly, the Arbitrator exhibited bias by failing to consider the Applicant's evidence and written submissions. Despite the Applicant adducing sufficient evidence, the Hon. Arbitrator still determined that the Applicant, on a balance of probability, has not proved failure of the smart card system and that there was no material breach on the part of the Respondent. The Applicant relied on Section 35 of the Arbitration Act 1995.
53. The Applicant submitted that the Award contains decisions on matters not pleaded by the Respondent. The investment costs were not part of the tender terms. This particular matter should be resolved in other forums based on the relevant procurement laws. The Applicant relied on National Bank of Kenya Limited v Moeish Consult Limited [2020] eKLR; the Court cited the case of Synergy Credit Limited v Cape Holdings Limited NRB CA Civil Appeal No. 71 of 2016 [2020] eKLR.
54. The Applicant submitted that the Hon. Arbitrator went against public policy as the decision did not consider the various legal and financial obligations on the Applicant. The Applicant is a public institution established under Article 176 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and derives its revenue from public funds; therefore, the Hon. Arbitrator was bound to treat the Applicant accordingly. The Award granted was excessive and unjustifiably high, given the colossal public funds involved.
55. The Award will therefore cause the Respondent to be unjustly and unfairly enriched from the loss of the Applicant. The Arbitrator awarded the Respondent colossal sums of money despite the same not being provided for in the Agreement between the parties or proved as owed before the arbitral tribunal, the only reason that led to the Award of the colossal sums was the anticipation of the same in the Agreement which the Applicant terminated for breach on the part of the Respondent, which leads to unjust enrichment on the part of the Respondent.
56. Thus, challenge the Award of Kes. 611,469,155.23/= on the basis that the Hon. Arbitrator awarded the amounts as anticipated commissions for 10 years, whereas the Respondent had only performed the contract for 2 years. Because the Applicant, probably after the termination of the contract, procured the services of another service provider to undertake the exact role of revenue collection. Does it mean that taxpayers' money would be used twice for payment of the same services over the same period?
57. This is contrary to public policy and is likely to result in unjust enrichment. The Applicant relied on Attorney General (On Behalf of the Republic of Kenya & the National Youth Service) v N. K. Brothers Limited (Arbitration Cause E047 of 2021 & E039 of 2022 (Consolidated)) [2023] КЕНС 22503 (KLR) (Commercial and Tax) (September 26, 2023) (Ruling); Mall Developers Limited v Postal Corporation of Kenya ML Misc. No. 26 of 2013 [2014] eKLR and Capture Solutions Limited v Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company Limited [2020] eKLR
58. The Applicant submitted that the additional Award of interest is punitive and amounts to unjust enrichment to the extent that, if enforced, it would injure public finances. The Award of the additional 12% interest contravenes Kenya's public policy. Surprisingly, the same was not awarded on the alleged payment of incurred expenses in the sum of Kes. 110,895,329.96/=.
59. The Applicant submitted that they are entitled to the prayers sought, having met the threshold provided under Section 35 of the Arbitration Act.
60. The Applicant submitted that the Respondent has not satisfied the conditions as set out in section 36 of the Arbitration Act. The Respondent annexed exhibits "JN 1" and "JN 2", which do not satisfy the provisions to warrant the enforcement and recognition of the final Award. The Applicant contends that it has filed an application seeking to set aside the Arbitral award, which is pending determination before this Honourable Court. The Application seeking to set aside the final Arbitral award raises serious grounds for setting aside the Award; therefore, the recognition and enforcement of the Award cannot be granted. The Applicant relied on sections 36, 37 of the Arbitration Act, Samura Engineering Limited vs Don-Wood Co Ltd [2014] eKLR cited in Machiri Limited v Kenya Airport Authority (Commercial Arbitration Cause E057 & E053 of 2023 (Consolidated)) [2024] КЕНC 3303 (KLR) (Commercial and Tаx) (March 21, 2024) (Ruling).
61. The Applicant submitted that the Sole Arbitrator dealt with matters beyond the scope of the reference. The Applicant contends that the investment costs were challenged before the Arbitrator, and the Applicant's position is that the same were not part of the contracted terms. The costs as set out were without any basis for failure to follow procurement processes, which entail requisition, tendering, and final selection of the supplier. Therefore, the said investment costs would have been resolved in other forums based on the relevant procurement laws. The Applicant relied on the case of Mahican Investments Limited & 3 Others v Giovanni Gaida & 80 Others [2005] eKLR.
62. The Applicant submitted that the decision on whether to allow additional evidence is discretionary and should be exercised judiciously. The Applicant contends that the documents it seeks to adduce are not new to the Respondent, and the Respondent will not be prejudiced, as they may be granted an opportunity to file further responses. The Applicant contends that they relied on Section 35 of the Arbitration Act, Article 50(1) and 159(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, and Kikenni Properties Limited vs. Vipingo Ridge Limited (2021) eKLR.
63. The Respondent's submissions.
64. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant's Application has not met the parameters set out in Heineken's case supra. Further, the Applicant has not specified the pleadings or evidence that were allegedly not considered. The Respondent relied on Heineken East Africa Import Company Limited & Another v Maxam Limited [2024] KECA 625 (KLR).
65. The Respondent submitted that by not challenging the Arbitrator's alleged consideration of unpleaded issues or his alleged handling of matters beyond the scope of the reference during the arbitral proceedings, the Applicant waived the right to raise these objections in these proceedings.
66. The Respondent contends that the costs incurred by the Respondent to implement the SCC that the applicant claims were beyond the scope of reference were pleaded in the Respondent's statement of Claim before the Arbitrator, as shown in the Award. No objection was ever raised on the basis that the Claim was outside the scope of what could be referred to the Arbitrator. The Respondent relied on Easy Properties Limited & Another V Express Connections Limited & Another [2021] KEHC39(KLR), and section 5 of the Arbitration Act.
67. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant, in alleging that the Award offends public policy, has not cited a single statute or constitutional provision. The Respondent relied on Christ for All Nations v Apollo Insurance Co. Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366, cited with approval in Kenya Shell Limited V Kobil Petroleum Limited [2006] eKLR.
68. The Respondent submitted that the download from CTS on filings shows that the Application was filed on June 27, 2024, and not June 26, 2024, as alleged by the Applicant. The Respondent relied on Section 35(3) of the Arbitration Act.
69. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant cannot rely on sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Rules or articles 25©, 50(1), 159(2)(d) of the Constitution for the orders sought. The Respondent relied on Godson Sixty-One School Limited v Symbion Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR), and section 35(2) of the Arbitration Act.
70. The Respondent urged this Court to dismiss the Application with costs and, consequently, to allow the Application that has been filed separately for recognition and enforcement of the Award.
71. The Respondent submitted that none of the provisions cited by the Applicant in the Application for additional documents aid the Applicant. Allowing the Application would contravene section 10 of the Arbitration Act. The Application lacks a basis in the Arbitration Act, and the provisions of law cited by the Applicant do not confer Jurisdiction to make the sought orders. Litigation must also come to an end. Further, the Applicant is guilty of inordinate and unexplained delay. The papers will serve no useful purpose in these proceedings. The Respondent relied on Anne Mumbi Hinga V Victoria Njoki Gathara [2009] KECA 466(KLR), Godson Sixty-One School Limited V Symbiont Kenya Limited [2023] KECA 900(KLR), Jadesa Tuke Dabelo V Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission & Another [2015] KECA 1005(KLR), Nicholas Kiptoo Arap Korir Salat V Independent Electoral And Boundaries Commission, Wilfred Rotich Lesan, Robert Siolei, Returning Officer, Bomet County, Kennedy Ochanyo, Wilfred Wainaina, Patrick Wanyama & Mark Manzo [2013] KECA 113(KLR), Rule 11 of the Arbitration Rules, Kenya Commercial Bank V David Gachuiga & 2 Others [2007] KEHC 2443(KLR), Kimathi & Another V Muriuki & 12 Others [2023] KECA 666(KLR), Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi V Mwangi Stephen Muriithi & Another [2014] KECA 642(KLR), and Samuel Kamau Muhindi V Blue Shield Insurance Company Ltd [2010] KEHC 1041(KLR).
72. ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION.
73. This Court considered the applications, the respective supporting affidavits, the respective replying affidavits, the respective grounds of opposition, and the respective parties' submissions.
74. Issues
75. Three applications are before this Court for determination. The main issues for determination are:
I. Whether the Application to set aside the arbitral Award was filed out of time.
II. Whether leave should be granted to the Applicant to file additional documents.
III. Whether this Court should set aside in its entirety the Final Award.
IV. Whether the Award should be adopted and enforced.
Whether the Application was filed out of time.
76. The Respondent contends that the Application was filed out of time. The parties having been notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024, the last day for filing an application challenging the Award was June 26, 2024. Furthermore, the Applicant has concealed material information, as the parties were notified that the Award was ready for collection on March 26, 2024.
77. The Respondent submitted that the download from CTS on filings shows that the Application was filed on June 27, 2024, and not June 26, 2024, as alleged by the Applicant.
78. According to the Applicant, the Application was filed within the time limit. The documents were lodged and paid for before midnight on 26/06/2024. However, due to delays encountered by the e-filing system and the Judiciary pay bill via KCB, the payment confirmation message was received six (6) minutes later (12:06 a.m.).
79. The Applicant submitted that there is no concealment of a material fact by the Applicant, as it is clear from the annexed Award that the Arbitrator notified the parties that the Award was ready on March 26, 2024, when it was published. However, it was not released to the parties until June 24, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
80. The time limit within which to apply to set aside an arbitral award is governed by Section 35(3) of the Arbitration Act, which provides. Sect 35(3). An application for setting aside the arbitral Award may not be made after 3 months have elapsed from the date on which the party making that Application had received the arbitral Award, or if a request had been made under section 34, from the date on which the arbitral Award had disposed of that request.
81. In Christ for All Nations v Apollo Insurance Co Ltd [2002] 2 EA 366, the Court held that the 3-month time frame is strict and cannot be extended, not even by the Court under the Civil Procedure Rules.
82. This Court notes that the Applicant's advocate filed documents on June 26, 2024, at 23:58:59. However, the system indicates that no documents were successfully uploaded until June 27, 2024, at 00:03:44, when the upload was completed. In the circumstances, this Court grants the Applicant the benefit of doubt and considers the Application as having been filed within the prescribed time.
83. Whether leave should be granted to the Applicant to file additional documents.
84. The Applicant referred to Pages 16 and 17 of the Arbitral Award in its submissions. A perusal of pages 16 and 17 of the Final Arbitral Award indicates a List of the Applicant's Pleadings and Documents, being paragraphs 31.1 to 31.15 of the Award. To assist the Court in referring to the documents alluded to therein, the Applicant wishes to provide the following specific documents to the Court: i. Applicant's Point of Défense & Counterclaim dated December 4, 2014; ii. Applicant's List and Bundle of Documents dated January 4, 2015; iii. Applicant's 1st Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; iv. Applicant's 2nd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; v. Applicant's 3rd Supplementary List & Bundle of Documents dated February 20, 2018; vi. Applicant's Written Submissions dated June 26, 2023, and the List of Authorities dated June 26, 2023
85. The Applicant contends that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above would be of value to the Court in making a just determination on the Application.
86. The Applicant argued that the Applicant's pleadings and documents set out herein above were subject to the arbitration proceedings and are not any new or unfamiliar documents to the Respondent herein.
87. The Applicant submitted that the decision on whether to allow additional evidence is discretionary and should be exercised judiciously. The Applicant contends that the documents it seeks to adduce are not new to the Respondent, and the Respondent will not be prejudiced, as they may be granted an opportunity to file further responses.
88. The Respondent submitted that the Applicant cannot rely on sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Rules or articles 25©, 50(1), 159(2)(d) of the Constitution for the orders sought.
89. The Respondent submits that none of the provisions cited by the Applicant in support of the Application for leave to file additional documents—namely Sections 1A, 1B, and 3A of the Civil Procedure Act and Articles 25(c), 50(1), and 159(2)(d) of the Const
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