Kenya Document Legalisation 2026
Document legalisation is the process of authenticating Kenyan documents for use in a foreign country. Since Kenya is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents go through a multi-step authentication and legalisation process.
Legalisation Process
- Notarisation
A Kenyan advocate/notary public certifies the document. Cost: KSH 1,000-5,000.
- Attorney General (AG) Authentication
The AG office authenticates the notary signature. Harambee Avenue, Nairobi. 3-5 days, KSH 500.
- MOFA Authentication
Ministry of Foreign Affairs authenticates the AG stamp. Old Treasury, Nairobi. 3-5 days, KSH 1,000.
- Embassy Legalisation
Destination country embassy may further legalise the document. Cost and time vary.
For full details, see our comprehensive document authentication guide.
Documents Commonly Legalised
Academic
- University degrees
- Transcripts
- KCPE/KCSE certificates
- Professional qualifications
Personal
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Police clearance
Commercial
- Company registration
- Board resolutions
- Powers of attorney
- Export documents
Legal
- Court orders
- Affidavits
- Contracts
- Medical certificates
Fees Summary
| Stage | Fee (KES) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Notarisation | KSH 1,000-5,000 | Same day |
| AG Authentication | KSH 500 | 3-5 days |
| MOFA Authentication | KSH 1,000 | 3-5 days |
| Embassy attestation | Varies | Varies |
| Total | KSH 4,500-12,000+ | 2-4 weeks |
Embassy Services for Document Authentication
Kenya embassies abroad can assist with:
- Certifying copies of documents as true copies of the original
- Notarial services - administering oaths and statutory declarations
- Authenticating documents issued in the host country for use in Kenya
- Guidance on the full legalisation chain for specific destination countries
For the full MOFA authentication process, the document typically needs to be processed in Nairobi. You can appoint a representative via power of attorney to handle this on your behalf.
Country-Specific Requirements
| Destination | Embassy Legalisation? | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Yes - UAE Embassy Nairobi + UAE MOFA | Arabic translation needed |
| Saudi Arabia | Yes - Saudi Embassy Nairobi | Arabic translation, all documents |
| UK | Usually not needed | MOFA stamp sufficient |
| USA | Varies by state | Some accept MOFA directly |
| Canada | Usually not needed | MOFA accepted by most institutions |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong order: The chain must follow the exact sequence — notarisation, AG, MOFA, then embassy. Skipping a step means starting over.
- Expired notarisation: Some embassies reject documents notarised more than 6 months ago. Get fresh notarisation if in doubt.
- Missing translations: For Arabic-speaking countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), certified Arabic translations must accompany every document.
- Photocopies: Only original documents or certified copies can be legalised. Plain photocopies are not accepted at any stage.
- Not checking destination requirements: Each country has specific requirements. Always confirm with the destination embassy before beginning the process.
Where to Go in Nairobi
| Office | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney General | Harambee Avenue, Nairobi | Mon-Fri 8:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00 |
| MOFA | Old Treasury Building, Harambee Avenue | Mon-Fri 8:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00 |
| Huduma Centre | GPO Building, Kenyatta Avenue | Mon-Fri 7:30-18:00, Sat 8:00-13:00 |