Certificate of no Impediment to Marriage in Kenya

Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya

In this post, we will cover:

1. What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?
2. Who issues the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?
3. What are the required documents for obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage?
4. What is the cost of obtaining the certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?
5. How we can assist you in acquiring the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?

What is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?

A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a legal document required by Kenyan citizens who intend to marry abroad. Whether you’re marrying a Kenyan or a non-Kenyan, this certificate confirms that no legal hindrances exist to your marriage. Essentially, it verifies that you are not already married in Kenya. Foreign authorities require this document to ensure compliance with their local marriage laws.

The certificate is crucial when a Kenyan citizen plans to marry in another country, as it serves as proof that the Kenyan government has no objection to the marriage. Without this document, foreign authorities might not allow the marriage to proceed.

Who Issues the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?

In Kenya, the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is issued by the Registrar of Marriages at Sheria House, Nairobi. The Registrar of Marriages is a government office under the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, tasked with handling marriage registrations and related legal documentation.

Documents Required for Obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage

To apply for the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, you must submit several documents to the Registrar of Marriages. These include:

1. Duly Filled Application Form – This form is available at the Registrar’s office and must be completed by the applicant.

2. Certified Copy of Applicant’s Passport – The passport must be certified either at the Registrar’s office or by an authorized body such as a Kenyan embassy or a Notary Public abroad.

3. Certified Copy of Applicant’s Birth Certificate – A certified birth certificate serves as proof of identity and nationality.

4. Certified Copy of Fiancé/Fiancée’s Passport – This is required for both Kenyan and non-Kenyan citizens.

5. Divorce Decree Absolute (if applicable) – If the applicant has previously been married, an official divorce decree is required to prove that the previous marriage was legally dissolved.

Important Notes on Certification:

• Document certification must be done at the Registrar of Marriages’ Office in Nairobi, a Kenyan embassy abroad, or by a Notary Public in a foreign country.

• If the original documents are readily available, the Registrar of Marriages in Nairobi can certify them directly.

• Scanned or photocopied certified copies are not accepted by the Registrar. All submitted documents must be original or notarized hard copies.

• The application form must be filled in person by the applicant. No third-party applications are allowed.

What is the Cost of Obtaining the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya?

The cost of obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya is Kshs 10,050. This fee is payable to the Registrar of Marriages at the time of application. It covers the processing of the certificate, which typically takes up to 4 weeks from the date of submission, although processing times can vary depending on workload and the completeness of the application. We charge separate professional fees to apply for this Certificate on your behalf. 

How We Can Assist You in Acquiring a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya

We can assist with certain parts of the application process, but there are legal requirements that must be fulfilled by the applicant personally. Here’s how we can help:

1. Application Assistance: If you are unable to submit the documents personally, you can send all the original documents or notarized copies to us in Nairobi. We can help deliver them to the Registrar’s office.

2. Document Preparation: We can review your application form and documents to ensure everything is in order before submission. This includes checking for the proper certification of your documents.

3. Advice and Support: We will guide you through the process and provide updates on the status of your application. While we cannot submit the form on your behalf, our team can offer full support to ensure a smooth process.

Please note that in-person appearance at the Registrar’s office is mandatory at certain stages of the application. If you are abroad, you may need to visit a Kenyan embassy for assistance with certification and submission. This certificate is issued at the 

For more information or assistance, feel free to contact us at info@swkadvocates.com. 

Conclusion

Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a crucial step for any Kenyan citizen intending to marry abroad. This certificate ensures that your marital status complies with both Kenyan law and the laws of the country where you plan to wed. By understanding the process and requirements, you can avoid delays and ensure your marriage proceeds smoothly.

For further inquiries or personalized assistance, contact our office or email us at info@swkadvocates.com .