To legally change your name, a deed poll must be registered. Registration of a deed poll in Kenya is regulated and guided by the Registration of Documents (Change of Name) Regulations hereinafter referred to as “the regulations”. Different categories of people who intend to change their name use different requisite forms. The following are some of the categories and the documents that are required to register a valid deed poll;
- Children between 2-16 years.
- Children between 16-18 years.
- Adult.
Children between 2-16 years
The following documents will be required for a child in this group;
- Duly filled deed pool in form 4A (filed and signed on behalf of minor by parent/legal guardian)
- A statutory declaration of identity in Form 6 and
- A copy of the birth certificate of the relevant person.
These requirements are in accordance with Regulations 3,4,5 and 7 of the Regulations.
Children between 16-18 years
They require the same documents above, that is;
- A duly filled deed poll in form 4A
- The written consent from the minor in Form 4 (the consent must be witnessed to by an Advocate)
- A statutory declaration of identity in Form 6 and
- A copy of their birth certificate.
These requirements are in accordance with Regulations 3,4,5 and 7 of the Regulations.
Adult
An adult intending to change their name will require the following documents;
- A duly filled deed poll in Form 1 (this form should be signed by the relevant person in both their old and new name) and the signature shall be witnessed by at least one witness.
- A statutory declaration in Form 5
- A copy of their birth certificate.
Where the relevant person is a widow, they must provide the following further documents in addition to the above stated documents;
- A copy of their marriage certificate or other evidence of marriage if the marriage was not registered and
- A copy of the husband’s death certificate.
Where the relevant person is a feme sole, they must provide the following additional documents;
- A copy of her marriage certificate or any other evidence of marriage if the marriage was not registered and
- A copy of a certificate of divorce or a decree absolute
Where the relevant person is a married woman, they must provide the following additional documents;
- A copy of their marriage certificate or any other evidence of marriage if the marriage is not registered
- The husband’s consent in Form 2
Once a person complies with the above requirements, the next step entails lodging the aforesaid documents with the Registrar of documents for registration. After the registration of the deed poll, the change of name will be gazetted in the Kenya Gazette by the Registrar of Persons. After the gazettement of the change of name, a person is required to apply for new identification documents.
For any assistance in effecting a change of name, do not hesitate to contact us.
