Procedure for legalizing a document in Kenya

Procedure for legalizing a document in Kenya

Legalizing documents in Kenya verifies their authenticity and ensures official recognition both locally and internationally. Whether for academic, business, legal, or personal purposes, proper legalization prevents delays especially if you are relying on the documents to secure a job or even move abroad for family reunification.

Documents That Require Legalization in Kenya

The following documents commonly require legalization in Kenya:

• Academic certificates and transcripts – Necessary for education, employment, and professional accreditation.
• Business documents – Includes contracts, agreements, certificates of incorporation, and regulatory approvals.
• Birth and marriage certificates – Required for immigration, visa applications, and legal documentation.
• Powers of attorney – Authorizes individuals to act on behalf of others in legal or business matters.
• Court documents – Includes judicial rulings, affidavits, and notarized legal declarations.
• Medical certificates – Needed for employment, travel, insurance claims, and medical licensing.

Procedure for Legalizing Documents in Kenya

1. Notarization

The first step in document legalization is notarization by a registered notary public. This process confirms the authenticity of the document and verifies the signatures. This applies to documents that are not issued by the Government. If a document is issued by the Government, it is not notarized but certified by the relevant Government Department. Documents that need to be notarized and lodged at the Supreme Court of Kenya include affidavits and Power of Attorney. 

2. Certification by Relevant Authorities

After notarization, the document must be certified by the appropriate government body:

• Academic documents – Certified by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) or the Commission for University Education (CUE).
• Business documents – Verified by the Registrar of Companies if it’s a Certificate of Incorporation.
• Personal documents (e.g., birth and marriage certificates) – Certified by the Office of the Registrar of Persons.
• Court documents – Certified by the judiciary.
• Medical certificates – Authenticated by the Ministry of Health.

3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Authentication

Once certified, the document must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authentication. This step confirms that the document is officially recognized by the Kenyan government for international use.

4. Embassy or Consulate Legalization

For documents intended for use in a foreign country such as UAE, Australia, Qatar, further legalization may be required at the respective embassy or consulate in Kenya. This step ensures compliance with the receiving country’s legal requirements.