EXPLAINER: How to legally change your name in Kenya

Did you know you can change your forename or surname, rearrange the existing names or even remove some names?

Just like in some countries in the world, you have that option in Kenya.

The process is, however, neither easy nor difficult as it has to be legal and you have to provide a valid reason for the desired name change.

Name change can symbolize new beginnings or alignment with one's true identity.

The decision to change one's name can be deeply meaningful and reflective of significant life experiences.

So, for one to legally change a name in Kenya, a Deed Poll must be registered and published in the Kenya Gazette notice.

A Deed Poll is a legal document that allows someone to officially change their name, Births and Deaths Registration Act and Registration of Documents (change of name) regulations.

Steps to apply for a deed poll

You will be required to complete a deed poll prescribed as Form 1 of the Regulations to the Act which should be attached along with the birth certificate.

These documents are to be presented to the Registrar of Documents for registration.

Section 14 of the Registration of Documents Act provides that anyone executing the document shall appear personally before the registrar and satisfy him that they are the ones they represent themselves to be.

If they admit the execution of the document, execution of the document the document shall be registered as provided by the Act.

The method of registration is provided under Section 24.

In this particular document, you shall state that you abandon the use of your former names and adopt a new name.

It shall also state that upon the change being effected, you authorize all persons to address you by your new name and not your former name.

For you to register a deed poll will, you will have to approach a lawyer or an advocate to help you draft and then prepare statutory declarations.

Documents required to change name

During the application process, you are required to avail the documents which include a letter from the area chief who confirms that they know you and your residence and that you are a citizen.

A fingerprint printout of your national registration fingerprints from the offices of the registrar of persons is also needed for registration of the deed poll.

Deed poll and affidavit to which shall be attached certain requisite documents.

Other documents required are an affidavit by a witness who has known you for at least 10 years, two passport-size photos, a birth certificate or baptism certificate and identity cards of your parents.

Marriage or divorce and school leaving certificates are also required.

Once all the legal requirements are concluded, the deed poll is registered at the Principal Registry.

After registration, the registrar shall advertise in the Kenya Gazette as a notification to the public of the change of name.

The Registrar may, however, refuse to accept a change of name, if the change is impossible to pronounce, and includes numbers, symbols or punctuation marks.

The registrar may also snub names that are vulgar, offensive or blasphemous.

Other names that can be rejected are those that promote criminal activities, racial or religious hatred or the use of controlled drugs, and ridicule people, government departments and companies or organisations.

The registrar will also decline names that may result in the belief that you have a conferred or inherited honour, title, rank or academic award.

This includes a change of first name to sir, lord, laird, lady, prince, princess, viscount, baron, baroness, general, captain, professor or doctor.