UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO LTD, KENINDIA INSURANCE CO LTD & ORIENTAL FIRE & GENERAL INSURANCE CO LTD vs EAST AFRICAN UNDERWRITERS (KENYA) LTD [1985] KECA 130 (KLR)
- Court
- Court of Appeal
- Case number
- 130
- Citation
- [1985] KECA 130 (KLR)
The Court of Appeal held that the case should proceed to trial in Kenya, finding that Kenya is the natural forum for the trial.
Facts
Two consolidated cases were instituted in the High Court by the respondent, a Kenyan insurance company, against the appellants (United India Insurance Co Ltd, Oriental Fire & General Insurance Co Ltd) and the Kenindia Assurance Company Ltd. The appellants were foreign insurance companies registered in India and operating in Kenya. The appellants allegedly breached their agreements with the respondent by directly writing, securing, obtaining, and procuring insurance business in Kenya.
Issues
- Whether the exclusive jurisdiction clause in the agreements should be enforced
- Where the case should be tried, in Kenya or India
Reasoning
The Court of Appeal noted the convenience of a trial in Kenya, the close connection between Kenya and India, and the fact that many Indian companies transact business in Kenya. The Court also cited cases to support the view that Kenya is the natural forum for the trial.
Outcome
Affirmed
Authorities cited
Cases cited (14)
- Commonwealth & C. v Peninsular & C. [1923] A.C. 191
- The Fehmarn [1957] 1 Lloyds Law Reports 551
- The Eleftheria [1969 Lloyds Law Reports 237
- The Chaparral [1972 2 Lloyds Law Reports 315
- Universal Ltd. V Trans Europa Compania De Aviacion S.A. [1973 Lloyds Reports
- Evans Marshall & Co. Ltd. V Bertola S.A. & Another [1973] 1 W.L.R. 349
- The Atlantic Star [1974] A.C. 454
- The Adolph Warski [1976] 2 Lloyds Law Reports 241
- The Eschershiem [1976] A.U.E.R. 442
- The Mekefjell [1976] 2 Lloyds Law Reports 29
- The Kislovodst [1980] 2 Lloyds Law Reports 183
- The El Amria [1981] 2 Lloyds Law Reports 119
- Abidin Daver [1984] W.L.R. 196
- Halloway v Povey [1984] 271 E.G. 195
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