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To get a marriage certificate in Kenya ( also called Marriage Certificate Kenya in some official records), couples must apply through the eCitizen portal under the Office of the Attorney General. Depending on the type of marriage (civil, Christian, Hindu, or customary), the process includes submitting documents, giving a notice of intention to marry, and attending a ceremony conducted by a licensed registrar or minister. The official certificate is issued after registration and can be downloaded online or collected in person.
🔍 Types of Marriages Recognized in Kenya
Kenya legally recognizes five types of marriages under the Marriage Act, 2014:
- Civil Marriages
Conducted by the Registrar of Marriages at a government office or licensed venue.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 6(a), Marriage Act, 2014. - Christian Marriages
Celebrated in licensed churches by authorized ministers.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 6(b), Marriage Act, 2014. - Customary Marriages
Based on the traditions of Kenyan ethnic communities.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 6(c), Marriage Act, 2014.
✅ Must be registered for full legal recognition. - Hindu Marriages
Conducted according to Hindu rites, usually in temples.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 6(d), Marriage Act, 2014. - Islamic Marriages
Governed by Sharia law and officiated by a Kadhi or Imam.
🔹 Legal Basis: Section 6(e), Marriage Act, 2014.
🔍 Note: All marriages — except Islamic ones — must be registered under the Office of the Registrar of Marriages to be legally valid in Kenya.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Get Marriage Certificate in Kenya
Before you can get a marriage certificate in Kenya, you must complete the legal marriage registration process — which varies slightly depending on the type of marriage.
Step 1: Create an eCitizen Account
Go to eCitizen and sign up or log in. Select the “Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.”
Step 2: Choose the Type of Marriage
You will be prompted to select:
- Civil marriage
- Christian marriage
- Customary marriage
- Special license (for interfaith or short-notice marriages)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
For Kenyan Citizens:
- National ID or valid passport
- Colored passport photos of both parties
- Birth certificates (optional but useful)
- Witnesses’ ID copies
For Foreign Nationals:
- Passport copy and visa/residency permit
- Certificate of no impediment (from your country)
- Sworn affidavit if divorced or widowed
Step 4: Give a Notice of Marriage
Civil marriages require a 21-day public notice. You pay Ksh 600 via eCitizen. After the waiting period, you can book a wedding date.
Step 5: Attend the Wedding Ceremony
This takes place at:
- Sheria House (AG’s office)
- Huduma Centres offering marriage services
- Licensed churches
Step 6: Get Your Marriage Certificate
After the ceremony, the registrar or licensed religious leader issues and registers the certificate of marriage in Kenya.
You can:
- Download a copy from eCitizen
- Pick it in person at Sheria House or Huduma Centre
That is all, as far as how to apply for marriage certificate in Kenya is concerned.
🧾 Do You Need to Visit the District Commissioner or Chief?
In most cases, you do not need to visit the District Commissioner (DC), Chief, or Assistant County Commissioner if you’re applying online through eCitizen for a civil or church marriage.
However, a visit may be required in special cases:
- If you’re registering a customary marriage, some counties ask for a letter from the Chief confirming that the marriage took place traditionally.
- For retrospective registration (marriages that happened long ago), the DC/Chief may assist in writing confirmation letters.
- If you need to swear an affidavit or get local verification, some applicants use the DC office for this purpose.
So while it’s not a formal part of the civil marriage process, the DC or Chief’s involvement is sometimes used for customary, community-based, or affidavit-driven cases.
📋 Marriage Certificate Kenya Cost
The cost of registering a marriage in Kenya depends on the type of ceremony and location. Below is a breakdown of the latest government fees:
- Notice of Marriage (mandatory for all types): KSh 600
- Issuance of Marriage Certificate at a licensed venue: KSh 800
- Civil Marriage at the Registrar’s Office: KSh 8,600
- Civil Marriage Conducted Outside the Registrar’s Office: KSh 16,700
- Special License for Civil Marriage at Registrar’s Office: KSh 9,700
- Special License for Civil Marriage Outside Registrar’s Office: KSh 16,700
- Religious Marriage (e.g., Christian or Hindu) conducted outside a licensed venue: KSh 7,200
- Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate (if needed): KSh 500
💡 Note: Civil marriages conducted at the AG’s office (Registrar’s office) are the most cost-effective option for most couples.
🧾 Sample of a Marriage Certificate in Kenya
Kenyan marriage certificates contain:
- Full names of bride and groom
- Date and place of marriage
- Type of marriage (civil, Christian, etc.)
- Name of officiant and witnesses
- Serial number and registration details
You can request a certified copy via eCitizen or in person at Sheria House.
🔄 How to Replace a Lost Marriage Certificate in Kenya
If lost or damaged:
- Report the loss to the nearest police station and obtain an abstract.
- Log into your eCitizen account.
- Navigate to “Registrar of Marriages.”
- Apply for a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
- Pay Ksh 500 and download the document or collect it in person.
📌 FAQs About Marriage Certificates in Kenya
How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Kenya?
▶️ Civil marriages take at least 21 days after notice. You’ll receive the certificate the same day as your wedding ceremony.
Can you get a marriage certificate online in Kenya?
▶️ Yes. You apply via eCitizen and can download a digital copy after registration.
Is church marriage certificate valid in Kenya?
▶️ Only if the church is licensed and forwards the details to the Registrar of Marriages. You still get an official certificate.
Can foreigners get married in Kenya?
▶️ Yes. With proper documentation (passport, permit, certificate of no impediment), foreigners can marry under civil or religious law.
Where is the marriage certificate issued in Kenya?
▶️ Sheria House (Nairobi), Huduma Centres, or online via eCitizen.
Is a marriage certificate the same as a certificate of marriage in Kenya?
▶️ Yes, both refer to the official legal document issued by the Registrar of Marriages in Kenya. Whether it’s called a certificate of marriage Kenya or a marriage certificate, it’s the same legal proof of marriage.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting a marriage certificate in Kenya has been simplified by the eCitizen system. Whether you are planning a civil, Christian, or even customary marriage, ensure you understand the correct documents and steps. Avoid brokers, follow legal channels, and retain a copy of your certificate — it’s a crucial document for immigration, spousal benefits, and legal recognition.
➡️ ➡️What Next After Getting a Marriage Certificate?
After registration, many couples use their marriage certificate for other official processes — like applying for joint bank accounts, updating IDs, or even getting a passport in Kenya when planning international travel as a couple.
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