Step by Step Legal process of Changing your Name in Kenya

What you need to Know about Legally Changing your Name

Step by Step Legal process of Changing your Name in Kenya What you need to Know about Legally Changing your Name

When we are born, we never get to choose the name that we are given, or sometimes things happen in life that are beyond our control. However lucky for you, you can legally change your name under the Kenyan Laws. In this article, I am going to share a step by step legal process of changing your name in Kenya.

1. Getting the Required Documents

The first step is getting the documents that will assist you in the process of changing your name. This documents include the following;

• A certified copy of your Birth Certificate
• A certified copy of your National Identity Card
• A certified copy of your KRA Certificate
• Copies of 3 current passport size photos.

2. Getting a Letter from your area chief

The purpose of the chief’s letter is to confirm that the chief knows you and also knows your residence.

3. Obtaining fingerprint print out from the Registrar of persons

The next step will be to have your finger prints taken and this is normally done at the registrar of persons.

4. Preparation of Affidavits by two witnesses who have known you for at least 10 years.

Two people who are non family members will swear an affidavit confirming they have know you for at least 10 years.

5. Drafting of the Relevant Deed Poll Application

The next step is to execute the deed poll with the necessary declarations.

6. Submission of all Required Documents to the Registrar of Documents for Registration

The next step will be to submit all the documents for registration which is done in in either the Nairobi registry or the Coastal Registry.

7. Advertisement in the Kenya gazette

This is done through the government printers and the advertisement should run for 30 days.

8. Making Application for a New Identity Card

The last step is submitting the old identity card and applying for a new identity card.