Understanding the Adoption Process in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Before beginning the adoption process, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. The child to be adopted must be at least 6 weeks old and declared free for adoption by a licensed adoption society. The applicant must be between 25 and 65 years old and at least 21 years older than the child. These requirements are designed to safeguard the child’s best interests.

All adoptions in Kenya must be processed through a licensed adoption agency. Begin by visiting the agency for an orientation meeting. During this meeting, you will fill out an application form, provide identification documents (such as an ID or passport), and submit a Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to confirm you have no criminal history.

A social worker from the adoption agency will schedule a home visit to assess your suitability as an adoptive parent. During this visit, the social worker will interview you and anyone else living in your home. They may also request references from relatives or friends to vouch for your character and ability to provide a stable environment for the child.

Once approved, the adoption agency will match you with a child deemed most suitable for your family. This matching process is based on compatibility and resemblance. After matching, there is a mandatory three-month placement period supervised by a social worker to allow bonding between you and the child.

The final stage involves filing a petition for adoption at the High Court of Kenya’s Family Division. The court will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests. If the court is satisfied that all requirements are met, it will issue an adoption order, which is then registered in the adoption register, legally finalizing the adoption.