Kenyan law recognises five kinds of marriage under the Marriage Act 2014: civil, Christian, Islamic, Hindu and customary. All must be registered, and both people must be at least 18 and marrying freely.
A civil marriage
Civil marriages are handled by the Registrar of Marriages, part of the Office of the Attorney General, and booked through eCitizen.
- Give notice. Both partners apply online with their details and documents, and pay the notice fee.
- Wait 21 days. The notice is published so that anyone with a legal objection can raise it.
- Book the ceremony and interview. Both partners appear with original documents and two witnesses, and pay the marriage fee.
- The ceremony is held before the registrar, and you receive a marriage certificate.
Fees and forms change, so check the current ones on eCitizen.
Documents
Each partner usually needs:
- National ID, or passport for foreigners
- Passport photos
- If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate
Foreigners are usually also asked for proof that they are free to marry, such as a certificate of no impediment or an affidavit of single status from their embassy or home country. Some embassies publish a checklist for their citizens.
Religious marriages
Christian, Islamic and Hindu marriages are conducted by licensed ministers or officials of the faith, who register the marriage and issue the certificate. Speak to the church, mosque or temple well ahead.
Customary marriages
A marriage under the customs of a community - often including dowry negotiations - is legally valid, but must be registered with the Registrar of Marriages. Registration protects both spouses and any children, so do not skip it.
After the wedding
- A marriage certificate is needed to add a spouse to medical cover, to apply for a spouse’s dependant pass, and to change a surname on an ID or passport.
- Foreign couples may need the certificate authenticated for use abroad.