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OWNERS OF THE MOTOR VESSEL "LILLIAN S" V. CALTEX OIL (KENYA) LTD

(1989) JELR 95005 (CA)

Court of Appeal  •  Civil Appeal 50 of 1989  •  17 Nov 1989  •  Kenya

Coram
Richard Otieno Kwach, Joseph Raymond Otieno Masime, James Onyiego Nyarangi

Judgement

JUDGMENT

Nyarangi JA.

The point raised by this appeal turns entirely on the correct interpretation of Section 20 (2) (m) of the Supreme Court Act 1981 of England (The 1981 Act) on the relevant facts of this matter. Two questions arise; first, if the plaintiff’s action is within Section 20 (2) (m) of the Act; second, whether the action can be enforced by an action in rem in terms of Section 21 (4) of the 1981 Act.

The appeal raises questions as to the proper manner of invoking the Admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court. The Admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court is equal to that possessed by the High Court in England. The High Court applies the same law and procedure as applies in England.

It might make it clearer if I refer to Section 4 of the Judicature Act, cap. 8 which provides as follows:-

“4. (1) The High Court shall be a court of admiralty, and shall exercise admiralty jurisdiction in all matters arising on the high seas, or in territorial waters, or upon any lake or other naviga…

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