Document Attestation in Kenya — Complete guide to authentication, MFA, good conduct & fees

Document attestation (sometimes called legalization) is a formal confirmation—by a notary, government authority, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya—that a document is authentic and may be accepted abroad. Kenya uses legalization rather than an apostille (Kenya is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention), so most documents follow a notary → MFA → embassy workflow.

Certificate attestation in kenya

Which documents commonly need attestation?

• Educational: degree certificates, diplomas, transcripts (university verification often required).
• Personal: birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance/good conduct certificates.
• Commercial: company incorporation docs, contracts, powers of attorney.

Step-by-step attestation procedure (typical)

1. Verify/obtain original documents. Make clean certified copies where required.
2. Notarization. Take the originals to a Notary Public. The notary verifies identity and signs/seals the document.
3. High Court/verification (if required). Some notaries require a High Court letter confirming the notary’s authority before MFA will authenticate.
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) authentication. Submit the notarized document to MFA (MFA now accepts many applications through their online/eCitizen portal) for official authentication.
5. Embassy/Consulate legalization. If the destination country requires it, submit MFA-authenticated documents to the relevant embassy/consulate for final legalization.
6. Translation (if necessary). Documents not in English should be translated by a certified translator and the translation authenticated as part of the process.

Quick note: Police clearance / good conduct certificates are issued by the DCI (via eCitizen) and usually follow the same MFA + embassy path for international use.

Timelines & estimated fees (market guide)

Costs and turnaround depend on document type and destination. Market ranges (estimate) for standard cases:

• Notarization: KES 500 – 3,000 per document (varies by notary).
• MFA authentication / eCitizen processing: KES 500 – 2,000 per document (plus service/processing fees).
• Embassy legalization: varies widely (some embassies charge fixed cash fees, others charge higher service fees or require courier charges).
• Agent / courier / service fees (if you use an agency): KES 1,000 – 10,000 depending on urgency & scope.

For a precise quote, contact RVS Kenya with document details and destination country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kenya Authentication: Complete Process Guide

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Kenya authentication is the most critical step for international document legalization. Located at the Old Treasury Building in Nairobi, the MFA verifies the notary's signature and applies an official government stamp. As of 2024, applications can be submitted via:

• eCitizen Portal: Online application at mfa.ecitizen.go.ke
• In-Person: Direct submission at Ministry offices
• Through Agents: Authorized agents like RVS Kenya can process on your behalf

Good conduct attestation in Kenya (Police Clearance)

Steps to obtain and legalize a Good Conduct / Police Clearance certificate:

1. Apply for Police Clearance via the DCI/eCitizen portal and obtain your certificate.
2. If required by the destination country, have the certificate notarized (if not already issued on official letterhead), then submit it to MFA for authentication.
3. Finish with embassy legalization if the receiving country requires it.

Common questions

How long does attestation take?

Typical timelines for straightforward cases: 3–14 working days. If additional verification (university HRD, High Court letters or embassy appointment queues) is needed, it can extend to several weeks.

Do I need to be in Kenya to legalize my documents?

No — many applicants use accredited agents to manage collection, authentication and embassy legalization on their behalf. However, some steps (e.g., original identity checks or biometric enrolment) may require the applicant to appear in person depending on the issuing authority/embassy.

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Why choose RVS Kenya for attestation services?

• Local expertise in MFA/embassy procedures and DCI processes.
• End-to-end handling: collection, notarization, MFA authentication, embassy submission and return courier.
• Clear pricing and progress updates.

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Attestation checklist

1. Original document + 2 photocopies
2. Valid ID / passport copy
3. If academic: university verification letter or transcript
4. Notary appointment / notarial certificate
5. Payment proof for MFA / embassy where required

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FAQ — short answers

Does Kenya issue apostilles?

No — Kenya is not in the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents are legalized via MFA and embassy legalization where required.

Where do I start?

Start with notarization (or verification by the issuing body for academic documents), then submit to MFA via the eCitizen portal or Huduma Centre as required.

How much is attestation fee in Kenya?

Fees vary — see the market ranges above. For an exact fee, provide your document type and destination country to RVS Kenya.

Need Help with Document Attestation in Kenya?

If you’re looking for reliable and efficient document attestation services in Kenya, contact us today. Our team of experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your documents are authenticated and legalized quickly and hassle-free.