How to Change Your Name in Kenya
By CMSME Club Team
Updated on Feb. 7, 2025, 7:55 a.m.
Reading time: 5 minutes
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Every child has the right to a name and nationality at birth, as provided in Article 53(1)(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Additionally, the Births and Deaths Registration Act requires all births to be registered within six months. By this time, a child should have a name recorded on their birth certificate.
If parents or guardians wish to change a child’s name within the first two years of birth, they must apply to the Registrar of Births and Deaths. However, after this two year window, the name can only be changed through a Deed Poll.
How to Change Your Name
The process of changing a name in Kenya is governed by the Registration of Persons Act and the Registration of Documents (Change of Name) Regulations. According to these laws, a name change must be formalized through a Deed Poll.
Anyone can change their name at any time, provided the intent is not to deceive, defraud, or evade legal obligations. A name change can involve adding a new name, removing an existing name, changing the order of names, or adopting an entirely new name.
It’s important to note that the Registrar may decline a name change if the proposed name is:
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Vulgar, offensive, or contains symbols, numbers, or punctuation marks;
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Impossible to pronounce;
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Incites criminal activity or promotes hate; or
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Creates a false impression of titles, honours, or qualifications.
Requirements for Changing a Name
The documents required depend on the applicant’s age and circumstances:
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Minors Below 16 Years
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A Deed Poll executed by the parent/guardian.
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A Statutory Declaration by someone who knows the minor.
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A copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
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Minors Above 16 Years
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In addition to the documents above, the minor must give written consent to the name change, endorsed on the Deed Poll.
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Adults
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A Deed Poll.
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A Statutory Declaration by a person familiar with the applicant.
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A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
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Married Women
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Upon marriage: Either apply to the Registrar of Persons with proof of marriage or execute a Deed Poll with the husband’s written consent.
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Upon separation: Provide a certificate from an Advocate confirming the separation is likely permanent.
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Upon divorce: Attach the Decree of Divorce alongside other required documents.
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Upon the husband’s death: Attach the marriage and death certificates
After Changing Your Name
Once your Deed Poll is registered, the change of name will be published in the Kenya Gazette. Thereafter, you shall be required to update your identification documents, such as your ID card or passport, to reflect your new name. Keep in mind that discrepancies with names on older documents like school certificates may require an affidavit to confirm your identity.
How we can help
At CM SME Club, we provide legal services to individuals and businesses, guiding you through various processes including change of name process in Kenya.
Our team will help you prepare, file, and process all documentation, making sure that the change of name is reflected in your identification documents. Contact us today at law@cmsmeclub.com.
Written by: Rosario Kamuti (rkamuti@cmadvocates.com)
Published on Feb. 4, 2025, 4:45 p.m.
