Getting married is one of the most important decisions in life. It is a step towards building a life-long commitment with someone you love. However, before you can get married in Kenya, you need a Certificate of No Impediment. This certificate is a legal document that shows you are free to marry and have no legal obligations that prevent you from getting married. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) is a document that confirms you are legally free to marry. The document is also known as a Single Status Certificate. It proves that you are single, divorced, or widowed and have no legal obligations that prevent you from getting married. The CNI is issued by the government and is a requirement for a legal marriage in Kenya.
Why Do You Need a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment is essential for legal marriage in Kenya. It is required by law and is one of the most important documents you need to get married. The certificate proves that you are free to marry and have no legal obligations that prevent you from doing so. Without this document, your marriage will not be recognized as legal by the Kenyan government.
Who Needs a Certificate of No Impediment?
Anyone who wants to get married in Kenya needs a Certificate of No Impediment. Whether you are a Kenyan citizen or a foreigner, you need this document to get married legally in the country. It applies to both civil and religious marriages.
How Do You Get a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya?
To get a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya, you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the Registrar of Marriages in Kenya
- Fill out the application form for a Certificate of No Impediment
- Provide the required documents, i.e., a copy of your ID, birth certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate (if you are divorced or widowed)
- Pay the required fees, which vary depending on the type of marriage you are planning (civil or religious)
- The Registrar of Marriages will then process your application and issue you with a Certificate of No Impediment if you meet the requirements.
What Documents Do You Need for a Certificate of No Impediment?
To get a Certificate of No Impediment, you need to provide certain documents. These documents include:
- A copy of your ID or passport
- Your birth certificate
- Divorce decree (if you are divorced)
- Death certificate (if you are widowed)
- Affidavit declaring that you are single (if you have never been married)
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya?
The processing time for a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya varies depending on the Registrar of Marriages. It usually takes between 7 to 14 days to process the certificate. However, it may take longer if you have missing documents or if there are any issues with your application.
What is the Cost of a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya?
The cost of a Certificate of No Impediment in Kenya varies depending on the type of marriage you are planning. For a civil marriage, the fee is KSh 6000 (approximately USD 60). For a religious marriage, the fee is KSh 2500 (approximately USD 25).
What Happens If You Have Legal Obligations That Prevent You from Getting Married?
If you have legal obligations that prevent you from getting married, you cannot get a Certificate of No Impediment. These legal obligations may include being married to someone else, being underage, or being mentally unfit to marry. In such cases, you need to resolve these issues first before applying for a Certificate of No Impediment.
Conclusion
A Certificate of No Impediment is an essential document for legal marriage in Kenya. It confirms that you are free to marry and have no legal obligations that prevent you from doing so. To get the certificate, you need to follow the steps outlined by the Registrar of Marriages and provide the required documents. It is important to note that without this document, your marriage will not be recognized as legal by the Kenyan government.
