Have you ever discovered that someone’s official name is entirely different from what you’ve always known?
This is more common than you might think. In Kenya, even public figures have legally changed their names to suit their personal or professional identities.
For example, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu legally added “Babayao” to his name, a nickname from his campaign slogan.
Similarly, Nairobi’s former Governor Mike Sonko officially changed his name from Gideon Mbuvi Kioko to include his well-known moniker, Mike Sonko, in 2012.
Others, like Senator Kimani Wamatangi (formerly Paul Njoroge Kimani) and Governor Mwangi Wa Iria (originally Francis Mwangi), followed similar paths to adopt names that better connected them with the public or their professions.
If you’re considering changing your name, whether for personal, professional, or legal reasons, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it in Kenya.
Why Change Your Name in Kenya?
There are many valid reasons why someone might choose to change their name, including:
Personal Preference: Disliking or finding your current name unpleasant or embarrassing.
Professional Rebranding: Adopting a name that resonates better with your audience or profession.
Fixing Errors: Correcting mistakes in official documents such as ID cards or passports.
Marital or Family Changes: Reflecting a new marital status or other family dynamics.
Cultural Identity: Aligning your name with cultural or social expectations.
Gender Identity: Updating your name following a gender reassignment.
Restrictions on Name Changes
While the process of changing your name is straightforward, there are specific restrictions:
- Names that are impossible to pronounce.
- Names containing numbers, symbols, or punctuation marks.
- Vulgar, offensive, or blasphemous names.
- Names promoting criminal activities, racial hatred, or the use of illegal substances.
- Titles like “Sir,” “Lord,” or “Doctor,” unless officially conferred, cannot be included.
Documents Needed to Change Your Name
Depending on your situation, these documents may be required:
Deed Poll: A legal document declaring your intent to change your name.
Statutory Declaration: Sworn by someone who has known you for at least 10 years.
Birth Certificate or Baptism Certificate: Proof of your identity.
Marriage or Divorce Certificates: To support changes related to marital status.
Parental Consent or Chief’s Letter: For minors or specific cases.
ID Cards: Your own and possibly those of your parents.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
The Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Draft a Deed Poll
Visit the Registrar General’s office to draft the Deed Poll.
Pay the Ksh 500 fee for registration.
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
Fill out Form 1, as prescribed by the Regulations under the Registration of Documents Act.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
Include your birth certificate, affidavits, and other required documents.
Step 4: Registration and Advertising
Submit the documents to the Registrar for registration.
Once approved, the name change is published in the Kenya Gazette.
This publication officially makes your name change valid.
Updating Your Name on Your ID Card
After completing the above process, you may want your new name reflected on your ID card.
Here’s how:
- Fill out Form 1 (Deed Poll on Name Change).
- Submit documents like the Deed Poll, affidavits, and your old ID card.
- Pay a processing fee of Ksh 1,000.
- Your photograph will be taken for the new ID.
- The Principal Registrar updates the national registry and cancels your old ID card.
- Within 60 days, you’ll receive your new ID with the updated name.
Where to Start
You can initiate this process by visiting the Registrar General Department Kenya office in Nairobi for a one-on-one consultation with an expert.
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