Legalization of a Power of Attorney in Kenya

Legalization of a Power of Attorney in Kenya

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (the donor) to appoint another (the attorney) to act on their behalf in legal, financial, or personal matters. For a POA to be used internationally or in another jurisdiction, it often requires legalization to authenticate its validity.

1. Draft and Notarize the Power of Attorney

• Prepare the POA with the help of a lawyer.

• Sign the POA in the presence of a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths.

• The notary certifies the identity of the signatory and the authenticity of the signature.

2. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

• Submit the notarized POA to the Legal Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi.

• MFA verifies the notary’s credentials and affixes an official stamp and signature.

3. Legalization by the Foreign Embassy or Consulate

• After MFA authentication, present the document to the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Kenya.

• The embassy authenticates the MFA stamp and certifies the document for use in their jurisdiction.

🔹 Requirements for Legalization

• Original notarized POA

• Copy of ID or passport of the donor

• Application letter or form (if required)

• Payment of legalization/authentication fees

• Any embassy-specific documents

🔹 Countries That May Require Legalized POAs from Kenya

• UAE

• China

• Germany

• Russia

• Saudi Arabia

• Canada

• India

Always check with the specific embassy or the receiving institution for requirements.