Getting a marriage certificate in Kenya requires the couple to provide specific documents and complete the marriage registration process through the Registrar of Marriages.
The exact requirements depend on the type of marriage, such as civil, Christian, Hindu, customary or Islamic marriage. Kenya officially recognizes these five systems of marriage.
Marriage Certificate Requirements in Kenya
For most marriage registration applications, Kenyan applicants should prepare:
- Copy of a valid National ID or passport.
- Copy of birth certificate.
- One coloured passport-size photo for each applicant.
- Proof of current marital status.
- Death certificate if one of the parties is widowed.
- Divorce Decree Absolute if one of the parties was previously married and divorced.
- A sworn affidavit confirming marital status where required.
- Original documents for verification during the Registrar’s interview.
The names on your ID or passport and birth certificate should match and appear in the correct order.
Requirements for a Civil Marriage
For a civil marriage by notice, the main documents include:
- National ID, valid passport or valid Alien Card for refugees.
- Birth certificate.
- Coloured passport-size photo for each applicant.
- Death certificate, where applicable.
- Divorce Decree Absolute, where applicable.
- Sworn affidavit confirming marital status where required.
The application is made online through the Registrar of Marriages’ eCitizen services.
A civil marriage by notice requires at least 21 days’ notice to the Registrar. The marriage must then be solemnized within 90 days from the date of the notice.
Requirements for Christian or Hindu Marriage
For Christian and Hindu marriages by notice, applicants generally need:
- National ID or valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Coloured passport-size photos.
- Death certificate, if widowed.
- Divorce Decree Absolute, if divorced.
- Sworn affidavit where required.
- Copies of IDs or valid passports of the two witnesses.
The marriage process also involves giving the required notice and appearing before the Registrar for document verification and an interview.
Requirements for Customary Marriage
For a new customary marriage, the requirements include:
- Copy of National ID or passport for both parties.
- Copies of National IDs of witnesses who were present during the ceremony.
- Coloured passport-size photo for each party.
- Letter from the Chief confirming that the customary marriage took place.
Registration must be done within six months from the date of marriage. The parties must also have completed the necessary customary marriage requirements under the applicable community’s customs.
Requirements If One Partner is a Foreigner
Additional documents are required where one party is a foreign national.
The foreign applicant may need:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Coloured passport-size photo.
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.
- Death certificate, if widowed.
- Divorce Decree Absolute, if previously divorced.
- Visa, work permit or relevant travel documentation, depending on the circumstances.
Both parties may also be required to appear before the Registrar with their original documents for verification and an interview.
How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in Kenya
Marriage registration services are available through the Registrar of Marriages on eCitizen. The official portal allows applicants to apply and pay for marriage services online.
The general process is:
- Log in to your eCitizen account.
- Open the Registrar of Marriages services.
- Select the appropriate marriage registration service.
- Fill in the application details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application.
- Pay the applicable fee.
- Book an appointment where required.
- Attend the Registrar’s interview with your original documents.
- Complete the marriage solemnization and registration process.
- Obtain your marriage certificate.
The requirements and fees can vary depending on the marriage system and whether you use notice or a special licence.
How Much Does a Marriage Certificate Cost in Kenya?
There is no single fee for every marriage registration.
The cost depends on factors such as:
- Type of marriage.
- Whether the marriage is by notice or special licence.
- Where the marriage will be solemnized.
- Whether additional services or certified copies are required.
For example, the Registrar currently lists different fees for civil marriages by notice and special licence.
It is therefore advisable to check the current fee displayed on eCitizen before making payment.
Where Can You Register a Marriage in Kenya?
The Registrar of Marriages provides marriage services through its offices and eCitizen platform.
The Office of the Attorney General states that marriage registration can also be done through local District/Sub-County Commissioner’s offices, while Registrar of Marriages offices operate in several locations including Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Embu, Meru, Kisii and Machakos.
How long does marriage registration take in Kenya?
The timeframe depends on the registration method. A marriage by notice requires at least 21 days’ notice, while a special licence can be used in circumstances where the notice requirement is dispensed with.
Conclusion
The main marriage certificate requirements in Kenya are identification documents, birth certificates, passport-size photos and proof of marital status. However, additional documents depend on whether the marriage is civil, Christian, Hindu, customary or involves a foreign national.
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