Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Kenya authorities. Essential for citizens of Kenya living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Kenya consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Kenya parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Kenya nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Kenya citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Kenya nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Kenya
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Kenya
- Passport and ID of the Kenya citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Kenya consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Kenya civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Kenya can take additional months.