Verification and Authentication of Documents for Use Abroad

Should you intend to travel outside Kenya and rely on any official document issued within Kenya, it is essential to ensure that such document has been duly verified and authenticated in accordance with applicable legal requirements. A document that has not undergone proper authentication may not be recognized and may have no legal effect in the intended foreign jurisdiction.

What is Verification/Authentication?

Verification and authentication is a formal process through which an original public document — such as an Academic Certificate, Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Death Certificate, Medical Report, Police Clearance Certificate, or Court Order — is validated for use outside Kenya.

This process confirms that:

• The document is genuine;

• It was issued by the appropriate and legally recognized authority;

• The signature, seal, or stamp appearing on the document belongs to a duly authorized official; and

• The document has been properly executed in accordance with Kenyan law.

Authentication does not validate the content or accuracy of the underlying facts beyond official confirmation; rather, it confirms the legitimacy of the issuing authority and the authenticity of the signature or seal.

Speak to an Advocate today at +254 702 902 074 or email at githaigalaw@outlook.com

Step-by-Step Authentication Process

The authentication process typically involves several stages:

1. Verification by the Issuing Authority

The process begins with submission of the original document (or certified copy, where applicable) to the relevant issuing authority for confirmation of its authenticity.

a)      For example, a Birth Certificate must be verified by the Civil Registration Services to confirm that the details correspond with the official registry records.

b)      Academic certificates may require verification by the issuing institution and, in some cases, by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) or the Commission for University Education (CUE), as applicable.

c)       Court documents may require certification by the issuing court.

2. Notarization and High Court Certification (Where Applicable)

Certain documents, such as sworn affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, and private agreements, must first be notarized by a licensed Notary Public.After notarization, these documents are typically presented to the High Court for certification of the Notary Public’s signature and seal.

3. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFA)

Once verification by the issuing authority (or High Court, where applicable) has been completed, the document must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs for final authentication.

The Ministry requires submission of the original document. Upon review and confirmation of the authenticity of the signature and seal appearing on the document, the Ministry will:

1. Stamp and sign the document (often on the reverse side), and

2. Issue an authentication certificate or endorsement confirming that the signature and/or official seal is genuine.

This step formally certifies the document for international use.

4. Legalization by the Embassy or Consular Office of the Destination Country

Following authentication by the Ministry, the document must be presented to the Embassy or Consular Office of the intended country of destination for legalization (unless the destination country is party to an applicable treaty that dispenses with further legalization requirements).

The Embassy/Consulate will review the Ministry’s authentication and, if satisfied, will legalize the document for use within its jurisdiction.

Final Use of the Document

Once legalized by the relevant Embassy or Consular Office, the document is considered duly authenticated and may be presented to foreign authorities for immigration, education, employment, marriage registration, court proceedings, or other official purposes in the destination country.

Applicants are advised to begin the authentication process well in advance of their intended travel date, as processing timelines may vary depending on the nature of the document and the requirements of the receiving country.

Get In Touch

We remain available to provide guidance and assistance throughout the verification and authentication process, including advising on document requirements specific to your intended country of travel.

For queries or consultations, please contact us through the details provided on this website