A Special Justice of the Peace was appointed at Kenhardt on 16 September 1881 (Government Gazette No 6184 of 16 September 1881, Government Proclamation No 150 of 1881).

A Magistrate’s Court was established at Kenhardt on 22 January 1889 (Government Gazette No 7052 of 22 January 1889, Government Proclamation No 12 of 1889). A Periodical Court, held by the Magistrate of Kenhardt, was established at Pofadder on 28 September 1923 (Government Gazette No 1344 of 28 September 1923, Government Proclamation No 207 of 1923). According to the records, this court was probably abolished in May 1960.

The Divisional Council of Kenhardt was constituted on 24 March 1892 in terms of Proclamation No 89 of 1892 under provision of Act No 40 of 1889 according to the requirements of the said act, the division was divided into six districts each consisting of one field-cornetcy (Cape of Good Hope Government Gazette No 7383 dated 25 March 1892, Proclamation No 899 dated 24 March 1892).

On 31 March 1989 the Divisional Council Areas of Gordonia and Kenhardt were established as the Benede-Oranje Regional Services Council with effect from 1 July 1989 (The Province of the Cape of Good Hope Official Gazette No 4580 of 31 March 1989, Provincial Notice No 336 of 31 March 1989).