Are you looking to Marry in Kenya? We all know that Love is good, but those in Love can truly say that. Civil Marriages in Kenya have always been a go-to option, especially for couples who prefer secrecy. Additionally, civil marriage offers an easy way for couples from different religious backgrounds to wed without interference.
Kenya recognizes five types of marriages: civil, Christian, Hindu, customary, and Islamic. To conduct a civil marriage, you must go through the office of the Registrar of Marriages. So, what are civil marriages in Kenya? What is the process to be followed?
Let us jump in
What is Civil Marriage in Kenya?
A civil marriage in Kenya is a formal union between two individuals through legal means. It is a legally binding contract that does not involve a religious ceremony or affiliation. The union must be between a man and a woman, whether monogamous or polygamous.
Civil marriages in Kenya are conducted by the Registrar of Marriages, who acts as the government’s official representative. The Registrar verifies the couple’s identities and witnesses their vows. To be married in a civil marriage in Kenya means entering a voluntary union, as defined by the Marriage Act of 2014.
The Marriage Act of 2014 defines marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous relationship and registered under the Act.
Types of Civil Marriage in Kenya
There are two types of civil marriages in Kenya:
Civil Marriage by Notice
This type of marriage occurs when the couples give a 21-day notice to the Registrar of Marriages. It covers all kinds of marriages in Kenya, whether civil, Christian, or Hindu. The marriage registrar must officiate, and the marriage must be conducted within 90 days from the date of the notice.
Civil Marriage by Special License
This type of marriage is for couples who cannot give a 21-day notice to the Registrar of Marriages. In this case, the Registrar of Marriages must conduct the marriage within 14 days of approval. A special license for the marriage must be strictly given within three days of approval.
Requirements for Civil Marriage
Before opting for a civil marriage in Kenya, it’s essential to meet the following requirements:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
- The couple should not be closely related by blood or marriage.
- For civil marriage by notice, the couple must notify the Registrar of Marriages of their intended marriage at least 21 days before the marriage date.
- Each party must provide their original birth certificate and a valid passport or national identification card.
- If either party was previously married, evidence of the termination of the previous marriage (e.g., Divorce Decree) must be presented.
- The presence of two witnesses is mandatory during the marriage ceremony. These witnesses must have valid identification and be of legal age.
In addition, it is a requirement for the following documents to be presented to the Registrar of Marriages:
- Original birth certificate for each applicant
- Valid passport or national identification card for each applicant
- Divorce Decree or death certificate (if applicable)
- Affidavit confirming marital status (if the Divorce Decree or death certificate is more than two years old)
- Alien card for refugees
- Colored passport-size photo for each applicant
- Air ticket and visa or work permit for foreign nationals marrying a Kenyan national
If one of the parties is a foreign national, additional requirements may apply:
- The foreign national must provide an air ticket and visa or work permit (if working in Kenya).
- The foreign national may need to create a visitor’s eCitizen account to apply online.
- Additional documents may be required, such as proof of no existing marriage.
How To Apply For Civil Marriage In Kenya
After meeting the requirements, the next step is to proceed and apply for your marriage to be processed. In Kenya, there are several steps for Civil Marriage. They include:
1. Submit Notice of Intended Marriage
The couple submits a notice of their intended marriage to the Registrar of Marriages in the district where at least one has resided for 21 days before the notice.
2. Publication of Notice
The registrar publishes the notice at the district office for 21 days, during which anybody can raise objections to the marriage.
3.Certificate of No Impediment
Suppose no objections are raised during the 21 days. In that case, the Registrar of Marriages issues a certificate of no impediment, allowing the marriage to proceed.
4. Solemnization of Marriage
The couple can then proceed to have their civil marriage solemnized at the office of the Registrar of Marriages or any other place approved by the registrar. The ceremony is conducted in the presence of the registrar and two witnesses.
5. Issuance of Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, the Registrar of Marriages issues a marriage certificate to the couple, officially recognizing their union.
How much does civil marriage cost in Kenya?
Here are the fees associated with Civil Marriage in Kenya:
Civil Marriage by Notice:
- Notice fee: KES 600 (paid online upon approval of the application)
- Clearance certificate fee: KES 800 (if the wedding is at a licensed location) or KES 7,200 (if the wedding is outside a licensed place of worship)
- Booking fee for solemnization: KES 3,300
Civil Marriage by Special License:
- Fee for wedding at a licensed place of worship: KES 9,700
- Fee for a wedding outside a licensed place of worship: KES 16,700
- Booking fee for solemnization: KES 3,300
And there you have it, lovebirds. That’s all you need to know about civil marriage in Kenya, governed by the Marriage Act of 2014. By understanding the requirements, fees, and application process mentioned in the article, you are on your way to participating in civil marriage in Kenya. As for the fees mentioned in the article, things might change quickly without our knowledge. Always consult with the Registrar of Marriages for the latest updates.
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All the Best