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Civil Marriage by Special Licence

Marriage Registration • Marriage Act No. 4 of 2014

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Eligibility Conditions

  • Both parties must give consent of application
  • Both applicants must be resident in Kenya for at least 7 days preceding the application
  • Foreign documents must be translated into English by certified translator
  • Solemnization date within 90 days from approval date
  • Both parties and witnesses must be present at solemnization

Official Procedure Steps

1
ClientMakes online application and uploads required documents
→ Marriage Clerk

Both parties consent. Both resident in Kenya 7+ days. Foreign docs translated.

2
Marriage ClerkVerification of uploads and details
→ Client

Application approved or returned for corrections

3
ClientBook appointment for interview
→ State Counsel

Daily appointment list

4
Client & State CounselInterview and submission of original documents for verification
→ Client

Approved application

5
ClientPayment of KSh 9,700 (RM Office) or agreed venue fee
→ State Counsel

Payment completion

6
State CounselGeneration and issuance of Special Licence
→ Client

Payment conforms to venue

7
State CounselBooking of solemnization date
→ State Counsel

Within 90 days from approval

8
State Counsel & ClientSolemnization – signing of marriage certificates
→ Office Administrative Assistant, Registrar of Marriages

Both parties and witnesses must be present

9
Office Administrative AssistantScanning and uploading of signed marriage certificates to system
→ Client

Certificates signed; backup archived

Required Documents

  • National ID / Passport (both parties)Required
  • Birth Certificates (both parties)Required
  • Coloured passport-size photos (4 each)Required
  • Sworn affidavit of marital status (Kenyans)Required
  • Certificate of No Impediment (foreign nationals)Optional

    Required for non-Kenyans

  • Death Certificate (if widowed)Optional
  • Divorce Decree Absolute / Decree Nisi (if divorced)Optional
  • Supporting evidence for special licence grounds (e.g. travel itinerary, medical report)Required
  • Certified English translation (for foreign-language documents)Optional

    Required if any document is not in English

Service Details

Processing Time

2-5 working days approval; solemnization within 90 days

Fee Structure

Special Licence – RM OfficeKES 9,700

Office

Sheria House, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

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Important Notice

Original documents must be presented at the registry office for final verification. Failure to present originals will result in rejection of your application.