People change their names for many reasons: marriage, divorce, religion, or simply preference. A full legal change in Kenya is made by deed poll. A spelling mistake on a document is a correction, which is simpler.

Taking a spouse’s name

Many people use their spouse’s name after marriage with their marriage certificate as proof, without a deed poll. Institutions differ in what they accept - for an ID or passport change, ask the Registration of Persons or Immigration what they need. See Getting married in Kenya.

A deed poll, step by step

  1. Prepare the deed poll - a legal document declaring that you give up your old name and adopt the new one. An advocate usually prepares it, and it is signed before a commissioner for oaths or advocate, with witnesses.
  2. Register it with the Registrar of Documents (in Nairobi, or at the coast registry in Mombasa), with copies of your ID and birth certificate, and pay the registration fee.
  3. Publish it in the Kenya Gazette. The change becomes public, allowing anyone to object.
  4. Keep the registered deed poll and the Gazette notice - you will need them for every institution.

Children’s name changes need their parents’ or guardians’ consent, and may need a court’s involvement.

Updating your documents

After the Gazette notice:

  • National ID or Maisha Card - apply to the Registration of Persons with the deed poll and Gazette notice.
  • Passport - apply on eCitizen for a new passport in the new name. See Getting a passport.
  • KRA PIN - update your details on iTax or at a KRA office.
  • Banks, SHA, NSSF, HELB, insurers, employer and schools.
  • Title deeds and vehicle logbooks held in your old name.
  • Academic certificates - institutions may add a note or reissue them.

Update your ID first: most other institutions will ask to see it.

How long it takes

Registration and gazettement typically take weeks to a few months. Updating every document takes longer - keep copies of the deed poll and Gazette notice handy.

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