What Is a Certificate Of No Impediment To Marriage?

A Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is a legal document issued by the Registrar of Marriages in Kenya. It confirms that a Kenyan citizen has no existing marriage record that would prevent marriage abroad.

If you are planning to marry outside Kenya, many foreign jurisdictions request this document before they can register the marriage.

Quick Answers: Cost, Duration and Application Route

Fee schedules and processing conditions may be updated by government platforms. Always verify live details before submission.

Application for Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage in Kenya

The application is handled through the Registrar of Marriages. A complete submission and correct certification format are the biggest factors affecting approval speed.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Create or log in to your eCitizen account.
2. Open the Attorney General / Registrar of Marriages service section.
3. Select the service for Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.
4. Fill in applicant details exactly as they appear in official documents.
5. Upload required certified documents in clear, readable format.
6. Submit the application and track status.
7. Complete payment once prompted.
8. Await completion of mandatory display period and approval/issuance.

Requirements for Application

• Certified copy of applicant’s passport (or valid ID where accepted).
• Certified copy of applicant’s birth certificate.
• Passport-size photo(s) of the applicant.
• Certified copy of fiancé(e)’s passport.
• If previously married: decree absolute/divorce documents (where applicable).
• If widow/widower: death certificate of former spouse (where applicable).
• Affidavit(s) where required by the Registrar.
• Clear contact details: phone, email, physical/residential address, postal address.

Certification Notes (Important)

• If you are abroad, copies should be certified by a Kenyan mission/embassy or a recognized notary as guided.
• If your fiancé(e) is abroad, provide properly certified copies for their documents.
• Keep names, dates, and passport numbers fully consistent across all documents.

Cost of Certificate of No Impediment to Marry in Kenya

For most applicants, the official government service fee is listed as KSh 10,000. Additional transaction or platform convenience charges can apply depending on payment channel.

• Government service fee: KSh 10,000
• Possible extras: eCitizen/payment processing charges, certification/notary costs, document translation (if required)

Duration for Application: How Long It Takes

The processing timeline is not only about submission date. The mandatory public display/notice period alone is typically 10 days, then administrative review and issuance follow.

Typical Timeline

• Day 1–3: Document preparation and submission
• 10 days: Mandatory display/notice period
• 1–3+ weeks: Verification, approval and issuance depending on workload and document quality

Real timelines vary. Incomplete documents, inconsistent names, and poor-quality uploads are common causes of delay.

Frequently Asked Questions