Getting Married in Kenya: A Guide for Kenyan & Foreign National Couples
Complete guide to marriage registration in Kenya when one partner is Kenyan and one is a foreign national. Learn about Special License requirements, Certificate of No Impediment, and step-by-step process.
Getting Married in Kenya: A Guide for Kenyan & Foreign National Couples
Love knows no borders, and if you’re a couple with one Kenyan partner and one foreign national, getting legally married in Kenya is absolutely possible. The process has a few extra steps compared to two Kenyan nationals, but with the right preparation, it’s straightforward.
This guide covers everything you need to know about registering your marriage when one of you is Kenyan and the other is from abroad.
Important: Requirements can change. Always verify the latest information on the official Attorney General website before starting your application.
Your Two Options
When one partner is a foreign national, you have two routes:
Registration by Notice works if the foreign partner is a registered refugee residing in Kenya. You follow the standard 21-day notice period.
Registration by Special License is required for most international couples. This is the more common route and actually speeds up the process since there’s no mandatory waiting period.
Most mixed couples will use the Special License route, so we’ll focus primarily on that process.
The Special License Process
Before You Begin: Residency Requirement
Both partners must have been resident in Kenya for at least 7 days before applying. For the foreign partner, this means being physically present in Kenya with valid travel documents.
Step 1: Create Your eCitizen Accounts
The Kenyan partner uses their regular eCitizen account. The foreign partner needs to create a Visitors eCitizen account at eCitizen. This requires:
- A valid email address
- Basic personal information
- A working phone number (Kenyan number recommended for OTPs)
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
For the Kenyan Partner:
- Copy of National ID or valid Passport
- Copy of Birth Certificate (names must match your ID exactly—same names, same order)
- One colored passport-size photo
- Proof of no existing marriage:
- Sworn affidavit stating your marital status (separate affidavit if single, joint affidavit if married under customary law)
- Death Certificate (if widowed)
- Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- Sworn affidavit confirming marital status if death certificate or divorce decree is over 2 years old
For the Foreign Partner:
- Copy of valid Passport
- Copy of Birth Certificate (names must match your passport exactly)
- One colored passport-size photo
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your home country—this is crucial
- Death Certificate (if widowed)
- Divorce Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- Updated CNI if death certificate or divorce decree is over 2 years old
- Valid visa or work permit
- Flight ticket (showing entry to Kenya)
For Church/Religious Weddings:
- Copy of the Minister of Faith’s license
- Serial number of the marriage book to be used (obtain from your church)
Understanding the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)
This document is essential for the foreign partner. It’s an official statement from your home country confirming that you’re legally free to marry—you’re not already married, and there are no legal barriers to your marriage.
How to Get a CNI:
The process varies by country. Typically, you can obtain it from:
- Your country’s embassy or consulate in Kenya
- A government office in your home country (you may need to plan ahead before traveling)
- Some countries call it different names: “Certificate of Freedom to Marry,” “Single Status Certificate,” or “Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry”
Countries with embassies in Nairobi can often issue CNIs locally. Contact your embassy early—some require appointments or have processing times of several days to weeks.
Pro tip: Start the CNI process well before your planned wedding date. Some embassies require you to post a notice period, and others may need documents shipped from your home country.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Both partners submit their applications through eCitizen under the Registration of Marriages service.
Upload all required documents carefully. Incomplete applications will be rejected and delay your timeline.
Step 4: Book Your Interview
After submission, both of you must book an appointment through the eCitizen platform to appear before the Registrar of Marriages at Sheria House in Nairobi.
Both partners must attend this interview together. Bring all original documents for verification. The Registrar will confirm:
- Both of you are who you claim to be
- Neither of you is already married
- All documents are legitimate
- You both consent to the marriage freely
Step 5: Pay the Fees and Schedule Your Wedding
After a successful interview, you’ll pay based on your wedding type and venue:
| Marriage Type | Venue | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Christian/Hindu | Licensed place of worship | Ksh 7,200 |
| Christian/Hindu | Outside licensed venue (garden, hotel) | Ksh 14,200 |
| Civil | Registrar’s Office | Ksh 9,700 |
| Civil | Outside Registrar’s Office | Ksh 16,700 |
Step 6: Receive Your Special License
- Christian/Hindu marriages: Special License issued within 3 days of approval
- Civil marriages: Wedding must be conducted within 14 days of approval
Your wedding can then proceed at the registered venue.
If Your Foreign Partner is a Registered Refugee
Registered refugees residing in Kenya can use the standard 21-day notice route. The process is similar to two Kenyan nationals, with the refugee using their Alien Card instead of a Kenyan ID.
Documents needed:
- Valid Alien Card for Refugees
- Birth Certificate
- Passport-size photo
- Proof of single status (sworn affidavit or relevant documents)
Timeline: Plan Ahead
International marriages require more lead time. Here’s a realistic timeline:
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 3-4 months before | Foreign partner begins CNI process in home country |
| 2-3 months before | Gather all other documents, ensure name alignment |
| 6-8 weeks before | Foreign partner arrives in Kenya (if not already resident) |
| 5-6 weeks before | Both create/update eCitizen accounts and submit application |
| 4-5 weeks before | Interview at Sheria House |
| 4 weeks before | Special License issued, submit documents to church if applicable |
| Wedding day | Get married! |
Important Considerations for International Couples
Legal Recognition in the Foreign Partner’s Country
Your Kenyan marriage certificate is legally valid in Kenya. However, you may need to register the marriage in the foreign partner’s home country for it to be recognized there. Check with your embassy about:
- Requirements for registering a foreign marriage
- Whether you need an apostille on your Kenyan marriage certificate
- Any translation requirements
Immigration Implications
Getting married in Kenya doesn’t automatically grant the foreign partner residency rights. If you plan to live in Kenya, the foreign spouse will need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit separately. Conversely, if you’re moving to the foreign partner’s country, understand their spouse visa requirements.
Embassy Services
Many embassies in Nairobi can help with:
- Issuing the Certificate of No Impediment
- Notarizing documents
- Providing information about recognizing your marriage back home
- Translation services
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: CNI Takes Too Long Start the process early. Contact your embassy immediately after deciding to marry in Kenya. Some countries allow you to begin the CNI process while still in your home country.
Challenge: Name Discrepancies Kenyan authorities are strict about names matching across all documents. If the foreign partner has different name formats on different documents (common in many cultures), get an affidavit explaining the variations.
Challenge: Document Authentication Some foreign documents may need apostilles or embassy certification. The Kenyan Registrar will advise if additional authentication is required during your interview.
Challenge: Language Barriers Documents not in English may need official translation. Plan for this extra step and cost.
Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| eCitizen Visitor Account | Free |
| Notice Fee (if applicable) | Ksh 600 |
| Special License (licensed religious venue) | Ksh 7,200 |
| Special License (unlicensed venue) | Ksh 14,200 |
| Civil Marriage (Registrar’s Office) | Ksh 9,700 |
| Civil Marriage (outside Registrar’s Office) | Ksh 16,700 |
Note: Embassy fees for CNI vary by country and are additional.
After the Wedding: Next Steps
Once you’re married, consider:
- Getting certified copies of your marriage certificate (useful for various legal processes)
- Registering the marriage with the foreign partner’s embassy if required
- Updating documents like bank accounts, insurance, etc.
- Immigration paperwork if one partner is relocating
Your Cross-Border Love Story Deserves a Beautiful Wedding
Planning an international wedding has its complexities, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. At Harusi Hub, we help couples create beautiful wedding websites and manage their guest lists—whether your guests are across the room or across the globe.
Create Your Free Wedding Website →
This guide was last updated in December 2024. For the most current requirements and fees, please visit the official Attorney General website or contact the Registrar of Marriages and your embassy directly.
