[2023] KECA 230 (KLR)

[2023] KECA 230 (KLR)

The Court of Appeal found that the respondent failed to prove the existence of a valid oral extension of the written contract. The court held that the respondent did not produce the full written contract to show whether it allowed for oral variations or extensions, nor did it establish that the alleged oral...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2023] KECA 230 (KLR)
Parties
Appellant: Attorney General; Respondent: Kabuito Contractors Limited
Court
Court of Appeal
Court Station
Court of Appeal at Nairobi
Jurisdiction
Kenya
Case Number
Civil Appeal 638 of 2019
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Judgment
Outcome
appeal_allowed
Judges
HM Okwengu, MA Warsame, JM Mativo
Legal Topics
Breach of Contract, Oral Contracts, Public Procurement, Burden of Proof, Contract Variation, Quantum Meruit
Source Language
en
Commercial and Corporate Civil Procedure Breach of Contract Oral Contracts Public Procurement Burden of Proof Contract Variation Quantum Meruit

Source-derived case record

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Parties

Attorney General

Appellant

Kabuito Contractors Limited

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether there was a valid oral extension of the written contract between the parties.
  2. 2 Whether the respondent proved its claim for breach of contract on a balance of probabilities.
  3. 3 Whether the respondent was entitled to the reliefs sought, including payment and interest.

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal found that the respondent failed to prove the existence of a valid oral extension of the written contract. The court held that the respondent did not produce the full written contract to show whether it allowed for oral variations or extensions, nor did it establish that the alleged oral extension was approved by the Central Tender Board as required by procurement regulations. The respondent also failed to call key witnesses, such as the Permanent Secretary or the author of the relevant correspondence, to substantiate the claim of an oral contract. The court emphasized that public contracts must comply with formal procedures and regulatory approvals, and that the...

Court Disposition

appeal_allowed

Orders

  • The appeal is allowed.
  • The High Court judgment in HCCC No. 284 of 2008 dated May 25, 2018 is set aside.