The process of Child Adoption in Kenya
Child adoption in Kenya is the legal assumption of all responsibilities of raising a child that may not be biologically yours.
Child adoption process was considered a one complex process here in Kenya. Most willing parties still find the process intimidating and with too much procedures and they give up on the process very quickly. The process is in itself long but not as complex as many people think. The process revolves around the eligibility and capability of adopting a child.
Child adoption process in Kenya is not expensive and is now a simple straight forward process unlike in the past. The process however strict in Kenya compared to other African countries and can take up to 6 months.
Where can I file for Child adoption in Kenya
You can file for adoption in any High Court in the Republic of Kenya. All proceedings are undertaken and determined in the chambers and the identity of the applicants and the child remain confidential.
Requirements & Eligibility of Adopting a Child in Kenya
- The child must have been declared free for adoption by an adoption society.
- The child must be more than 6 months old and less that 18 years old.
- The Applicant must be at least 25 years of age.
- The applicant must be at least 21 years older that the child.
- The applicant must not be more than 65 years old
- Single Male cannot apply to adopt a female child
- Single Female cannot apply to adopt a male child
- Single foreign male or female cannot adopt a child in Kenya
- A couple must be married for more than 3 years legally to apply for adoption
- The applicant must be of sound mind
- The applicant must be able to proof they are able to provide for the child necessities.
- The applicant must not be Homosexual
- Joint applicants who are not married to each other are not eligible.
What are the Types of Adoption in Kenya
- Adoption of an abandoned child.
- Adopting as a biological parent after remarrying or adopting as a relative/guardian.
Steps of adopting a child in Kenya
- Visiting the Adoption Society
- The adoption society checks on the eligibility of the adopters. This is the ground check which involves the adoption agency visiting the adopter’s home to check if the child’s needs will be met. The visit will also help the agency to determine the living conditions the child will be subjected to if the adoption process is successful.
- Medical reports. The applicant will visit a doctor recommended by the adoption society for medical examination. The medical examination will include HIV test.
- Child Bonding. A social worker will organize on child meeting with the adopters and facilitate the introduction and bonding.
- Fostering; After a successful bonding the adopters will have to foster the child for a period of 3 months.
- The court Procedure; The court determines the eligibility of the adopter to have the child. This happens in a High Court in the republic of Kenya. If eligible the court awards an ‘Adoption Order’.
- Registration of Adoption; The Registrar General registers adoption once the Adoption order is issued by the court.
Documents required for child adoption in Kenya
- Copy of Identification Card for Kenya Citizens
- Marriage certificate where applicable
- Medical Report of the adoptive parent
- Financial Reports- Bank Statements
- Child’s birth certificate
- Certificate declaring the child free for adoption issued by the Adoption society
- A children officers report
- Death certificate if the child’s parents are deceased
- Chief’s/religious leader recommendation letter
- Proof of home ownership- Title deeds
- Birth certificates of any children the adoptive parent may have
- Certificates of good conduct.
- Letter from a police station stating that the child (applies for abandoned child) has not been claimed.
- Recommendation of the Adopters by the Director of Children Services
- Consent from the biological parent/guardian
- Consent from the child if the child is more than 14 years old.