Kenya Document Apostille & Authentication 2026

Kenya is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so Kenyan documents cannot receive an apostille stamp. Instead, documents must go through a multi-step legalisation process involving the Attorney General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the destination country embassy.

Important Notice

Since Kenya has not joined the Hague Apostille Convention, the term "apostille" does not technically apply. The correct process is document authentication and legalisation. This guide covers the full legalisation process that replaces apostille for Kenyan documents.

Step-by-Step Legalisation Process

  1. Step 1: Notarisation

    Have the document notarised by a Kenyan advocate or notary public registered with the Law Society of Kenya. The notary verifies the authenticity of the document and the identity of the signatory.

    Processing: Same day | Cost: KSH 1,000 - 5,000 per document

  2. Step 2: Authentication by the Attorney General (AG)

    Submit the notarised document to the Office of the Attorney General, State Law Office, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. The AG authenticates the notary public signature and stamp.

    Processing: 3-5 working days | Cost: KSH 500 per document

  3. Step 3: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Authentication

    Take the AG-authenticated document to the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Old Treasury Building, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. MOFA authenticates the AG stamp for international recognition.

    Processing: 3-5 working days | Cost: KSH 1,000 per document

  4. Step 4: Embassy Legalisation (if required)

    Some destination countries require the document to be further legalised by their embassy in Nairobi. Contact the destination country embassy to confirm whether this step is needed.

    Processing: Varies by embassy | Cost: Varies (typically USD 20-100)

Legalisation Fees Summary

Stage Fee (KES) Processing Time Location
Notarisation (Advocate/Notary) KSH 1,000 - 5,000 Same day Any registered notary
Attorney General Authentication KSH 500 3-5 working days State Law Office, Nairobi
MOFA Authentication KSH 1,000 3-5 working days Old Treasury, Nairobi
Embassy Legalisation Varies (USD 20-100) Varies by embassy Destination country embassy
Total Estimate KSH 4,500 - 12,000+ 2-4 weeks -

Documents Commonly Requiring Authentication

Academic Documents

  • University degrees and diplomas
  • Academic transcripts
  • KCPE and KCSE certificates
  • Professional qualifications

Personal Documents

  • Birth certificates
  • Marriage certificates
  • Death certificates
  • Adoption orders

Commercial Documents

  • Company registration certificates
  • Board resolutions
  • Powers of attorney
  • Articles of association

Legal & Official

  • Police clearance certificates (Certificate of Good Conduct)
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Affidavits and declarations
  • Medical certificates

Authentication from Outside Kenya

If you are outside Kenya, you have several options:

  1. Appoint a representative in Kenya to carry out the process on your behalf using a power of attorney
  2. Use a document legalisation agent based in Nairobi who can handle all steps
  3. Contact your nearest Kenya embassy for notarial services and guidance on authenticating documents issued in the host country
  4. Some Kenya embassies can authenticate documents directly for use in Kenya (consult the specific embassy)
Kenya embassies abroad can perform notarial services (sworn affidavits, certifying copies, witnessing signatures) which may be accepted directly by some institutions without full MOFA legalisation.

Country-Specific Requirements

Destination Country Embassy Legalisation Required? Additional Notes
UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) Yes - UAE Embassy in Nairobi Required for work permits, family visas
Saudi Arabia Yes - Saudi Embassy in Nairobi All documents must also be translated to Arabic
United Kingdom Usually not required MOFA stamp generally sufficient
United States Varies by state Some states accept MOFA-authenticated docs
Canada Usually not required MOFA authentication accepted by most institutions
EAC Countries Simplified process EAC integration may reduce requirements

What to Bring - Checklist

  • Original document to be authenticated
  • Photocopy of the document
  • Valid Kenyan national ID or passport
  • Cover letter stating purpose of authentication
  • Payment for applicable fees
  • Power of attorney (if submitting on behalf of someone)
  • Translation (if document is not in English)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Kenya has not joined the Hague Apostille Convention, so Kenyan documents cannot receive an apostille. Instead, documents must go through the legalisation process: notarisation, Attorney General authentication, MOFA authentication, and (if required) embassy legalisation.

The full process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Notarisation is same-day, Attorney General authentication takes 3-5 working days, MOFA authentication takes another 3-5 working days, and embassy legalisation varies. Using an agent can sometimes speed things up.

Kenya embassies abroad can perform notarial services such as certifying copies, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths. However, for full MOFA authentication, the document typically needs to be processed in Nairobi. Contact your nearest embassy for advice specific to your situation.

Yes. Most foreign universities and employers require authenticated copies of Kenyan academic certificates. In addition to the legalisation process, you may need verification from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) or the relevant professional body.

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