REVIEW: CIVIL MARRIAGES IN KENYA

Introduction

This type of marriage is officiated by the registrar of marriages in a place determined by the registrar usually at the Attorney general’s office. (One woman- one man situation)

 

Individuals that intend to marry under this kind of marriage are required to give the registrar and the in charge of the venue where they intend to officiate their marriage a written notice of not less than 21 days and get married within 90 days from the date of that notice.

 

Couples situated in Nairobi can apply online for marriage services on the e-citizen platform, Online Marriage Services is only for Nairobi County. You can register your marriage at your local District / Sub County Commissioner’s Office; You can also register your Marriage at your local Registrar of Marriages in Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Malindi, Embu, Meru, Kisii, and Machakos.

 

The requirements of a civil marriage for citizens or refuges of Kenya

Before you fill in the online application form found at https://www.e-citizen.go.ke or apply at your local registrar of marriages, ensure that you have the following documents ready for attaching:

 

• Copy of National Identity Card or valid Passport or valid Alien Card for Refugees;
• Copy of birth certificate; (ensure that the names appearing on the birth certificate and the national identity card/ passport are properly aligned- names should be the same and appear in the correct order);
• One coloured passport-size photo for each Applicant;
• Copy of Death Certificate (if widow or widower);
• Copy of Divorce Decree Absolute (If the partner had been married before and is divorced);
• A sworn affidavit to confirm marital status in the event the Divorce Decree or the Death Certificate is more than 2 years old;
• Copies of Identity Card or Valid Passport for the two (2) witnesses.

The applicant shall be required to pay a notice fee on the online platform upon approval of their application.

 

After lapse of 21 days’ Notice period, parties are required to book an appointment on the online platform to appear for interview and verification of original documents. If there are objections and registrar find it their solid grounds, he shall cancel the notice of marriage to hear and determine the objections. The hearing takes place within 7 days. If there no objections the couple shall be issued with the certificate of no impediment

 

Upon successful completion of the interview, parties will be required to pay a fee on the online platform after which they will be booked for solemnization of the marriage – 30 to 90 days (30 days for notice and processing, marriage to be solemnized within 90 days).