Document Checklist for Kenyans Emigrating 2026
Having the right documents is critical for a successful move abroad. Missing or incorrect documents can delay your visa by months. This comprehensive checklist covers every document Kenyan emigrants need, with details on where to get them, costs, and processing times.
Identity Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya ePassport | Immigration HQ Nyayo House / Huduma Centres | KSh 4,550 (32pg) / KSh 6,050 (48pg) | 10-21 working days |
| National ID (Huduma Namba) | Huduma Centre / NTSA | Free (first issue) / KSh 100 (replacement) | 2-4 weeks |
| Birth Certificate | Civil Registration Dept / Huduma Centre | KSh 50 (copy) | 1-2 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | Registrar of Marriages / AG Chambers | KSh 1,700 (civil marriage) | 21 days notice + ceremony |
| Passport Photos | Photo studios (passport size and visa size) | KSh 200 - 500 | Immediate |
Always carry both originals and certified copies. Get your ePassport at least 6 months before planned travel.
Security & Legal Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct) | DCI Headquarters, Kiambu Road / eCitizen | KSh 1,050 | 6-12 months (varies by country) |
| Apostille | Attorney General Chambers, Sheria House | KSh 1,500 per document | 1-2 weeks |
| KRA Tax Compliance Certificate | iTax portal (kra.go.ke) | Free | 12 months |
| Power of Attorney | Any advocate / notary public | KSh 5,000 - 15,000 | As specified |
Police Clearance - Important Notes
- Apply online via eCitizen portal for faster processing
- Takes 2-3 weeks to process (can be expedited)
- If you have lived in another country for 6+ months, you may need a police clearance from that country too
- Some countries (UK, AU, Canada) require additional FBI/ACRO/national police checks
Academic & Professional Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KCSE Certificate | KNEC (Kenya National Examinations Council) | KSh 1,020 (replacement) | Required for DV Lottery and some visas |
| University Degree | Your university / CUE for verification | Varies | Original + certified copy |
| Academic Transcripts | Your university registrar | KSh 500 - 2,000 | Sealed in university envelope |
| Professional Registration | NCK (nursing), KMPDB (doctors), PPB (pharmacy), EBK (engineers) | Varies | Current and valid registration |
| Credential Evaluation (ECA/NARIC) | WES, IQAS, ICAS (Canada), NARIC (UK), NZQA (NZ) | $200 - $400 | See Credential Recognition |
| English Language Test | British Council (IELTS), Pearson (PTE), ETS (TOEFL) | KSh 22,000 - 30,000 | Valid 2 years |
| Work Experience Letters | Previous and current employers | Free | On letterhead, signed, with duties and dates |
| CV/Resume | Self-prepared or professional service | Free - KSh 5,000 | International format |
Medical Documents
| Document | Required By | Where to Get | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immigration Medical Exam | All countries | IOM Nairobi / Panel physicians | KSh 15,000 - 45,000 |
| TB Test Certificate | UK, AU, NZ, Canada | Approved clinics (IOM, Aga Khan) | KSh 5,000 - 10,000 |
| Yellow Fever Card | Some countries (Kenya is endemic) | KEMRI, KNH, Port Health | KSh 3,000 - 5,000 |
| Vaccination Records | Some visas / schools abroad | Your doctor / hospital records | Free - KSh 1,000 |
| HIV Test | Some Gulf countries, Russia | VCT centres, private labs | KSh 500 - 2,000 |
Panel Physicians in Kenya
- IOM Nairobi: For US, Canada, Australia immigration medicals. 4th Ngong Avenue
- Aga Khan Hospital: Various countries' panel physician
- Nairobi Hospital: UK TB testing
- MP Shah Hospital: Some countries' panel physician
Country-Specific Requirements
United Kingdom
- TB test certificate (from approved clinic)
- ATAS certificate (for certain postgraduate courses)
- Maintenance funds proof (GBP 1,270 for 28 days)
Canada
- ECA report from WES or equivalent
- Proof of settlement funds (CAD 14,690 for single)
- Provincial nomination letter (if PNP)
Australia
- Skills assessment from relevant authority (ACS, ANMAC, Engineers AU)
- Polio vaccination if travelling from Kenya
- Form 80 (personal particulars for character assessment)
United States
- DS-160 confirmation page
- DS-260 (for immigrant visas)
- Affidavit of support (family-sponsored)
- VisaScreen Certificate (healthcare workers)
Tips for Document Preparation
- Start 6+ months early: Some documents take weeks to process and have limited validity periods
- Certified copies: Get documents certified by a Commissioner for Oaths or notary public (KSh 500 - 1,000 per document)
- Apostille: Required for documents going to Hague Convention countries. Get from the Attorney General's Chambers
- Translations: If documents are not in English, get certified translations by a sworn translator
- Digital copies: Scan all documents in colour at high resolution (300+ DPI) and store securely in cloud
- Sealed transcripts: Many countries require university transcripts sent directly from the university in a sealed envelope
- Consistency: Ensure your name is spelled identically across ALL documents. Any discrepancies can cause delays
Frequently Asked Questions
The DCI Certificate of Good Conduct does not have a fixed expiry, but most embassies and immigration authorities require it to be issued within 6-12 months of your application date. Get it as close to your application date as practical, but not too early.
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Kenya joined in 2023. If your destination country is a member (UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, etc.), your public documents may need an apostille from the Attorney General's Chambers (KSh 1,500 per document).