Changing an individual’s name in Kenya is a formal legal procedure that grants the person a new identity recognized by the state and all institutions.
In Kenya, the name-changing process is governed primarily by the Registration of Documents Act, Cap. 285 and the Registration of Documents Regulations Legal Notice 277 of 1967.
The successful procedure for name change involves a Deed Poll, official registration, and public notification in the Kenya Gazette, which applies to adults aged 18 years and above.
However, despite the process applying to adults, minors with special provisions can also change their names according to the Kenyan laws.
“The change must not be for fraudulent purposes, and the new name must meet criteria (e.g., at least one forename and one surname; no numbers, symbols, vulgarity, or titles like ‘Lord’ or ‘Doctor’ used deceptively),” Legal Notice 277 of 1967, Registration of Documents (Change of Name) Regulations dictates.
Eligibility and Requirement
Any Kenyan citizen or resident can apply for a name change, which the registrar of documents has the right to reject if the new name is offensive or if the applicant has not earned the title it bears.
Married couples seeking to adopt or revert to a spouse’s surname require additional consent or proof of changed circumstances.
Minors under special provisions are eligible only when a parent or guardian initiates the process.
Documents required for the process include a current National ID or passport, a birth certificate, a KRA PIN, and passport-size photographs.
In addition, the applicant is required to provide a mandatory fingerprint report from the National Registration Bureau and a letter from their local area chief confirming residence.
Also Read: Explained: What the Chip on Kenya’s New Maisha ID Card Does
Name Change Process
The process begins with obtaining a fingerprint printout at a fee that takes at least a week, and getting a verification of residence from the area chief.
After attaining the required document, one is expected to draft and execute the Deed Poll.
A Deed Poll acts as a statutory declaration of formally dropping an old name and adopting a new name.
During the filling of the declaration, a prescribed Form 1 is signed for both the old and new names, witnessed and commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths or an advocate.
To support the Deed Poll, a statutory declaration on Form 6 is required from credible witnesses who have known the individual for five to ten years.
“The Deed Poll, once registered and gazetted, becomes the official record that legally binds the name change and must be presented whenever updating official records.” Registration of Documents Act (Cap. 285) outlines.
To finalize the Deed Poll, it is registered with the Principal Registry of Documents, and the registration fee and stamp duty are paid.
The application is then reviewed for competency and legality by the Registrar, and upon approval, the Deed Poll is endorsed and registered.
A publication of the name change is done after the registration in the Kenya Gazette and remains open for public objections for 30 to 60 days.
If no objection arises during the given period, the name change is considered final and irrevocable.
Also Read: Explained: Can a Country Legally Arrest Another Country’s President?
What to do After Name Changing
After successfully changing one’s name, the individual must apply the replace documents at all institutions.
Fees for the changes to be made may be incurred, with the fees being waived at times during special government notices.
The total cost for the process ranges from KSh 10,000 to KSh 60,000, depending on complexity and the advocate’s fees.
Advocate charges for drafting and submission average between KSh 5,000 and 30,000.
On the other hand, government fees for fingerprints, registration, stamp duty, and Gazette publication are estimated at between KSh 2,000 and 15,000.
The complete name-changing process takes 5 to 12 weeks, or longer, in Kenya, with delays likely during peak periods at government offices.
It’s awesome for me to have a site, which is beneficial for my knowledge.
thanks admin