How to legally change your name in Kenya
By William Muthama, December 13, 2025Changing your name in Kenya can mark a new chapter in life, whether it’s for personal reasons, after marriage or divorce, or to correct mistakes on official documents.
While the process might seem complex at first, it is straightforward once you understand the legal requirements and steps involved.
A name change in Kenya is done through a legal document called a deed poll, which is registered with the Registrar of Documents.
Once approved, your new name is published in the Kenyan Gazette, making it official for all legal and government purposes. This ensures that your new identity is recognised across institutions, from banks to government agencies.
People decide to change their names for various reasons. Some adopt a spouse’s surname after marriage, while others revert to their maiden name following a divorce.
Cultural, religious, or personal identity considerations may also drive the decision, and parents can apply for a child’s name change due to adoption or other family reasons. Even correcting a misspelt birth certificate may require the full legal process.
Legal requirements
Before beginning, there are basic requirements to meet. You must be a Kenyan citizen or a legal resident, and applicants must be at least sixteen years old to apply independently.
Minors require a parent or guardian to handle the application on their behalf. Identification documents, such as a birth certificate or national ID, are essential, and the reason for changing your name must be lawful, meaning it cannot be intended to commit fraud or evade legal obligations.
Steps to change your name
You can begin the name change process on the eCitizen portal. Here, you can fill in the initial forms, submit basic details, and track your application digitally. This reduces the need for multiple trips to government offices.
The process begins with gathering the necessary documents, including copies of your birth certificate, national ID, and any additional supporting documents, along with passport-sized photos and a letter from your local chief confirming your identity and residence.
Fingerprints are taken at the Registrar of Persons’ office to verify your identity, and affidavits from people who have known you for at least ten years add credibility to the application.
The deed poll, which officially declares your intention to adopt a new name, can be drafted yourself or with the assistance of a lawyer.
Once ready, all documents are submitted to the Registrar of Documents, either in Nairobi or at the Coastal Registry in Mombasa.
Gazettement and updating documents
After approval, the new name is published in the Kenyan Gazette. This public announcement allows time for any objections and officially completes the legal recognition of the change.
With the Gazette notice, you can apply for new identity documents, including a national ID and passport, and update other official records such as bank accounts and insurance policies.
For minors, parents or guardians handle the application and must include the child’s birth certificate, parental consent, and a justification for the name change.
Married individuals may use a marriage certificate to update their surname, but adopting a completely new name requires the full deed poll process.