Notarial and documentary services guide for Kenya
Documents, certificates, letters and notes available at the British High Commission in Nairobi.
Overview
The British High Commission Nairobi issues a limited range of legal documents for British nationals.
If there is no specific formal requirement for a notarial service or certificate to be provided by the British High Commission, local notaries or lawyers can sometimes provide these services more conveniently, quickly and cheaply. Check with the relevant authority either in the UK, Kenya or a third country, that our consular certificate or service will be accepted.
The British High Commission Nairobi cannot confirm this information, only the relevant authority can provide this confirmation. Refunds of consular fees are not given for certificates or notarial services that are not accepted by the requesting authority.
Notarial acts in Kenya
Consular Officers in Commonwealth countries have no general powers, under the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1889, to issue Certificates this includes Certificates of No Impediment, certify documents, take oaths, affidavits, write letters etc, which will be effectual in the United Kingdom. As Kenya is a member of the Commonwealth, the British High Commission Nairobi is not in a position to comply with the above requests. You would therefore need to approach a Notary/Commissioner of Oaths, or have the validity of certificates/documents attested by the issuing authority.
See also our information on changes to notarial and documentary services in Kenya.
Fees
Fees for consular services are paid at the British High Commission on the day of application and can be paid using a debit or credit card.
Services we provide in Kenya
- letter of no objection for those adopting from overseas
- making a search in the naturalisation, registration or renunciation records held by a consular officer
Book an appointment
You can call +254 (0) 20 2873000 or +254 (0) 20 2844000 or use the contact form for consular enquiries:
www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-nairobi to book an appointment.
Data protection
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office holds and uses data for purposes notified to the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act 1998 (which may be viewed at www.ico.gov.uk. Such personal data may be disclosed to other UK Government departments and public authorities.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. Accordingly the FCDO and the British high commission will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.