Kenyan families frequently face costly property disputes and court battles over inheritance due to a lack of proper estate planning, particularly dying without a will.

• Senior Counsel Cecil Miller warns that without a will, dependants who can prove financial maintenance by the deceased may legally claim part of an estate.
• Recent court rulings have declared unconstitutional previous sections of Kenya's Law of Succession Act that created gender disparities in inheritance rights.
• Issues also arise from poorly understood property ownership arrangements like joint tenancy and informal unions, highlighting the need for clear documentation and updated beneficiary nominations.