Getting married is one of the most important decisions that a person can make in their life. In Kenya, before a couple can get legally married, they need to obtain a Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. This certificate serves as proof that they are free and eligible to get married. In this article, we will discuss what the Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is and how to obtain it.
What Is The Kenya Certificate Of No Impediment To Marriage?
The Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CONIM) is a document issued by the Kenyan government that certifies that a person is legally free to get married. This document confirms that there are no legal impediments or restrictions that would prevent the person from getting married. The CONIM is a requirement for both Kenyan citizens and foreigners who wish to get married in Kenya.
It is important to note that the CONIM does not give permission to get married. It simply confirms that there are no legal restrictions preventing the person from getting married.
Who Needs A Kenya Certificate Of No Impediment To Marriage?
Both Kenyan citizens and foreigners who wish to get married in Kenya need to obtain a Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage.
For Kenyan citizens, the CONIM is issued by the office of the Registrar of Marriages, while for foreigners, it is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya.
How To Obtain A Kenya Certificate Of No Impediment To Marriage
The process of obtaining a Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage varies depending on whether you are a Kenyan citizen or a foreigner.
For Kenyan Citizens
If you are a Kenyan citizen, you need to visit the office of the Registrar of Marriages in your county. You will be required to provide the following documents:
- Your original birth certificate
- Your original national ID card
- A letter from your church or religious institution confirming your intention to get married
- A letter from your chief or assistant chief confirming that you are free to get married
- A fee of Ksh 600 payable to the Registrar of Marriages
For Foreigners
If you are a foreigner, you need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi to obtain a Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. You will be required to provide the following documents:
- A letter from your embassy in Kenya confirming your single status
- Your original passport
- Your original birth certificate
- A fee of Ksh 2,000 payable to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Validity Of The Kenya Certificate Of No Impediment To Marriage
The Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is valid for six months from the date of issue. This means that the couple must get married within six months of obtaining the certificate. If the couple does not get married within six months, they will need to obtain a new certificate.
Conclusion
The Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is an important document that is required for both Kenyan citizens and foreigners who wish to get married in Kenya. The process of obtaining the certificate varies depending on whether you are a Kenyan citizen or a foreigner. It is important to note that the certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue, and the couple must get married within that period. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, couples can obtain their Kenya Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage and legally tie the knot.
