Kenya is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a U.S. public document used in Kenya normally needs an apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state rather than a consular stamp. Missions still provide authentication and notarial services for documents that need them.
Quick facts
Consular fees for authentication and notarial work are paid at the mission, unlike passport and travel fees, which go through the national online platform. It is a useful distinction to remember when preparing payment.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on a Kenyan document | Charged in Kenya | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Consular authentication | Consular tariff | Paid at the mission |
| Notarial services | Consular tariff | Paid at the mission |
Academic and professional documents are the ones most often authenticated, usually for employment or for a regulatory body on one side or the other.
How to prepare a document for Kenya
- Ask the receiving institution whether an apostille satisfies it.
- Order a certified copy, or notarise the private document.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Book the mission appointment where consular authentication is also wanted.
- Keep the chain together and order a spare set.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Completed authentication request and payment.
- Photo identification.
- Prepaid return envelope for mail filings.
What the missions do
They take biometrics for passports, issue emergency travel documents, process dual citizenship and citizenship recovery files, authenticate documents, perform notarial acts and assist Kenyans in difficulty.
Additional notes
Two payment systems
Immigration fees online, consular fees at the counter. Turning up with the wrong one costs an appointment.
Certificates from Kenya
Birth and marriage certificates come from the civil registration authority there, and are apostilled in Kenya before travelling.
Order two copies
Kenyan offices keep what they receive, and repeating the chain from abroad is slow.
Never apostille a photocopy
The certificate attaches to an original or a certified copy from the record keeper.