Are you looking to get Married Online In Kenya? Do you want to know all about the Marriage Processes in Kenya? Search no more. This article will teach you how to register for Marriage Online in Kenya. Additionally, we will tell you about the requirements and fees involved.
Are you ready to get married in Kenya? WellGone are the days when marriage was traditionally focused on churches. The modern world has changed how things function; thus, online marriages have become more needed than ever. If you are ready to look into your lover’s eyes and say I do via the Internet, then you are in the right place. Online Marriages have brought simplicity, especially to people who are busy with their lives and want to tie the Knot easily. So, how do I get started with the Online Marriage In Kenya Application?
Online Marriage Registration in Kenya
Digitization of the modern world has brought a lot of benefits and downsides. In Kenya, the government’s move to digitize all its services to the eCitizen portal has made it easier for Kenyans to access the services they want. When you think about the eCitizen platform, passport renewals and NTSA services quickly come up, but did you know you can also register for Marriage Online on the platform? Well, Now You Know
Online Marriages in Kenya are classified under the Civil Type of Marriage as governed by the Marriage Act 2014. The online marriage registration process is facilitated by the Office of the Attorney General Registrar of Marriages, established under Section 50 of the Marriage Act. Here is a quick twist: Only Nairobi County residents are eligible to register for Marriage Online using the Ecitzen Portal. Residents in Other Counties can register their marriages at their local district/sub-county commissioner’s office or the Registrar of Marriages office.
What are the types of marriages in Kenya?
According to the Marriage Act 2014, Kenya recognizes five different marriage systems:
- Civil Marriage
- Christian Marriage
- Hindu Marriage
- Islamic Marriage
- Customary Marriage
Each system has its requirements and procedures, which we’ll cover in more detail later in this post.
Can anyone get married in Kenya?
Marriages in Kenya are not meant for anyone; at least, requirements are to be met if you want to get married. These requirements are:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of marriage.
- Neither party should be currently married to someone else unless they are entering into a polygamous union recognized under customary law.
Remeber that the Marriage Act defines marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, whether in a monogamous or polygamous union, and registered under the Act.
What are the requirements for Online Marriage Registration in Kenya?
To complete the online marriage registration process, you’ll need to have the following documents ready for uploading:
For Kenyan Nationals:
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of national ID
- Colored passport-size photos (one for each applicant)
- Affidavit stating marital status (separate affidavits if not married, joint affidavit if married under customary law)
- Copy of death certificate (if widowed) or copy of divorce decree (if previously divorced)
For Foreign Nationals:
- Copy of valid passport
- Colored passport-size photos (one for each applicant)
- An affidavit stating marital status (separate affidavits if not married, joint affidavit if married under customary law)
- Copy of death certificate (if widowed) or copy of divorce decree (if previously divorced)
- Proof of legal residence in Kenya (e.g., work permit, student visa, etc.)
- Refugees who do not possess a refugee ID or a waiting slip can use their Manifest as identification.
Online Marriage Registration Process On eCitizen
Here are the steps to follow
- Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke and click on the “Marriage Services” option.
- Choose the service that applies to your marriage system (e.g., notice of marriage, solemnization of marriage, etc.).
- Complete the online form with your details and upload the required documents.
- You must pay a KSh 600 notice fee online for Christian, Hindu, and civil marriages.
- After submitting the notice, you must wait 21 days before proceeding to the next step.
- Once the notice period has elapsed, book an appointment on the online platform to appear before the Registrar of Marriages for an interview and document verification.
- Bring your original documents to the interview and be prepared to answer questions from the Registrar.
- Upon completing the interview, you must pay the applicable registration fee online. The cost varies depending on your marriage system and the location of the ceremony.
- After payment, you’ll receive your marriage certificate as legal proof of your union.
Registering Your Marriage at Local Offices
If you reside outside Nairobi County, you can register your marriage at your local district/sub-county commissioner’s office or the Registrar of Marriages office. The process is similar to the online registration. Still, you must personally visit the office to submit your documents and attend the interview.
Fees Associated with Marriage Registration in Kenya
The fees associated with marriage registration vary depending on the marriage system and the location of the ceremony. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Christian and Hindu Marriages:
- Notice Fee: KSh 600
- Clearance Certificate: KSh 800
- If the wedding is at a licensed place of worship: KSh 7,200
Customary Marriages
- Registration Fee: KSh 3,900
Civil Marriages:
- Notice Fee: KSh 600
- Solemnization Fee: KSh 3,300
- If the wedding is conducted outside the Registrar’s office: Additional KSh 14,200
Special License for Marriage Registration
In certain circumstances, the Registrar of Marriages may dispense with the notice requirement and issue a special license for marriage registration. This is typically done when there is a sufficient reason to do so, supported by the requisite documents. A special permit applies to civil, Christian, and Hindu marriages.
To obtain a special license, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Go to www.ecitizen.go.ke and create a visitor’s account if you’re a foreign national.
- Fill Out the Online Application form and upload the required documents.
- Book an Appointment to appear before the Registrar for an interview and document verification.
- Pay the Special License Fee of KSh 9,700 if the wedding occurs at the Registrar’s office or KSh 16,700 if it is conducted at a venue outside the Registrar’s office.
- After payment, you’ll receive your marriage certificate and can proceed with solemnizing your marriage.
And there you have it, friend. That’s all to know about Online marriages in Kenya. Following the information in the article, you can successfully register for your marriage online in Kenya. Remember to check the official eCitizen portal for the most up-to-date information and fees, as they may be subject to change. If you have any questions, comment below; I will help you.
All The best in your marriage