Changing Your Name on a Kenyan Birth Certificate

Your name is an integral part of your identity, and you have the legal freedom to change it. Here are some reasons you might consider doing so:

1. Correcting a spelling error in the name.
2. Adding or modifying names after official adoption.
3. Changing one's name after converting to a new religion.
4. Changing the name following legal procedures.
5. If a life event such as marriage, divorce, or death has occurred

Other changes  that a person can apply for on the birth certificate include:

1. Amendment of Place of Birth
2. Amendment of Mother's Name
3. Amendment of Father's Name

A child's name in Kenya can only be changed within 2 years of birth. After this period, you can add names but cannot remove any from the birth register.

A complete name change or removal for children over 2 years requires a deed poll upon reaching the age of majority (18 years) and must be published in the Kenya Gazette to explain the reason for the change.

Adults may amend their names only for spelling errors or to add new names, complete name changes are not permitted.

1. Change of Name for a Minor Below 2 Years

For children under two years old, parents can apply to change the child's name. This process involves filling out a form on the eCitizen portal and paying the required fees. Required documents include;

1. Birth notification
2. Copies of IDs for both parents or a guardian, 
3. The child's original birth certificate

A deed poll is not necessary for this age group.

2. Change of Name for Minors Above 2- 16 Years

1. A deed poll executed by the parent or guardian.
2. Statutory Declaration by someone residing in Kenya who knows the minor.
3. The minor's birth certificate.
4. The minor must consent to the name change, with their consent endorsed on the deed poll.

3. Change of Name for Adults 

1. A Deed Poll.
2. Statutory declaration by someone residing in Kenya who knows them, including both former and new names.
3. Their birth certificate.

4. Change of Name for Married Women

a) Upon Marriage 

Married women can adopt their husband's name by providing:

1. An affidavit stating they wish to adopt their husband's name.
2. Original and copy of Marriage Certificate/Affidavit of Marriage.
3. Copies of ID for both wife and husband.
4. Through a Deed Poll (requires marriage certificate and written consent from husband).

b) Upon Separation

Women separated but not divorced must provide the following documents:

1. Documents required for adults changing names,
2. Birth Certificate
3. Their marriage certificate,
4. Identification documents.
5.  A certificate from an advocate indicating likely permanent separation.

c) Upon Divorce

Name changes post-divorce can be done by providing the following documents:

1. Application to Registrar with necessary forms,
2. Affidavit dropping husband's name, 
3. Marriage certificate
4. Affidavit,
5. Decree/divorce document.
6. Through a Deed Poll (requires marriage certificate and divorce decree).

d) Upon Husband's Death

Widows wishing to drop their husband's name must provide the following documents:

1. Marriage certificate
2. Husband’s death certificate

A deed poll is a legal document that enables a person to officially change their name. This process allows for the alteration of names, the removal of names, or the rearrangement of existing names. 

It serves as documentary evidence that you have changed your name and legally commit to using your new name.

To legally change one's name in Kenya, it is necessary to register a deed poll and have it advertised in the Kenya Gazette. 

To learn about changing your name via deed poll, click this link: changing your name with a deed poll.

To apply for a name change in Kenya, you have several options:

• Apply online through the e-Citizen portal and select a pickup location to submit the registration documents.
• Go to any Huduma Centre across the country for assistance.
• Visit Civil Registration Services (CRS) offices.

When considering a name change, there are specific restrictions to be aware of. The Registrar may reject a proposed name for several reasons:

1. If the chosen name is vulgar or offensive.
2. If it includes numbers, symbols, or punctuation marks.
3. If the name is challenging to pronounce.
4. If it promotes criminal activities, racial or religious hatred, or the use of controlled substances.
5. If it mocks a person, groups, government departments, companies, or organizations.
6. If it implies an inherited title or honor—such as adopting titles like Sir, Lord, Lady, Prince, or Princess as part of a first name.

Changing your name on a birth certificate affects several documents, including ;

1. ID card
2. Passport
3. Educational and professional certificates
4. KRA PIN Certificate
5. Driver's licenses, and
6. Title deeds.

Updating identification documents like passports, PIN certificates, and driver's licenses to reflect the new name is also important. 

For educational and professional certificates, an affidavit confirming the change is usually sufficient. However, for land instruments like title deeds, you must apply to the land registrar to officially rectify the name.

For a person residing outside Kenya, it is necessary to provide evidence indicating that their residence abroad is not intended to be permanent.

The registrar may also request a certificate from an advocate detailing the nature and expected duration of this residence.

Ecitizen Portal