Quote from Lawyer on June 20, 2025, 6:01 am

Adoption in Kenya is a legal process that establishes a permanent parent-child relationship between individuals who are not biologically related. Governed primarily by the Children Act, 2001, the adoption process is designed to protect the best interests of the child while ensuring that prospective adoptive parents meet stringent legal and social requirements. This article provides a detailed overview of the adoption process in Kenya, including eligibility criteria, home studies, court applications, and other key procedures.

The Children Act, 2001 (amended in 2022) is the primary legislation governing adoption in Kenya, supplemented by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and international conventions such as the Hague Convention on Inter-Country Adoption (ratified by Kenya in 2019). These laws prioritize the welfare of the child, ensuring that adoption is conducted transparently and ethically. Key principles include:

• Best Interests of the Child: All decisions must prioritize the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

• Non-Discrimination: Adoption processes must be fair, regardless of the child’s or applicants’ gender, religion, or ethnicity.

• Subsidiarity: Inter-country adoption is considered only when domestic adoption is not feasible.

The Children’s Department under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, alongside registered adoption societies and the judiciary, oversees the process.

Eligibility Criteria for Prospective Adoptive Parents

To adopt a child in Kenya, prospective parents must meet specific eligibility requirements outlined in the Children Act, 2001.

These include:

1. Age Requirements:

   • Applicants must be at least 25 years old and no more than 65 years old.

   • The applicant must be at least 21 years older than the child to be adopted.

2. Residency:

   • For domestic adoptions, applicants must be Kenyan citizens or have resided in Kenya for at least three consecutive years.

   • For inter-country adoptions, foreign applicants must comply with both Kenyan laws and the laws of their home country, including Hague Convention requirements.

3. Marital Status:

   • Married couples can adopt jointly, provided they have been married for at least three years.

   • Single individuals may adopt under exceptional circumstances, but single men cannot adopt female children unless the court grants special approval.

   • Same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt under current Kenyan law.

4. Health and Character:

   • Applicants must be physically and mentally fit to parent a child.

   • They must have no criminal record, particularly offenses against children.

   • A medical report from a registered practitioner is required.

5. Financial Stability:

   • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide for the child’s needs, including education, healthcare, and shelter.

6. Child Eligibility:

   • The child must be at least six weeks old and declared free for adoption by a registered adoption society.

   • The child must be an orphan, abandoned, or voluntarily surrendered by biological parents, with consent documented or parental rights legally terminated.

The Adoption Process in Kenya

The adoption process in Kenya involves several stages, each designed to ensure the suitability of the prospective parents and the welfare of the child.

Below is a step-by-step outline:

1. Initial Inquiry and Orientation

Prospective adoptive parents begin by contacting a registered adoption society, such as the Kenya Children’s Homes Adoption Society or Little Angels Network. These societies are accredited by the National Adoption Committee and provide orientation sessions to explain the legal requirements, costs, and timelines.

Key activities include:

• Completing an application form.

• Submitting preliminary documents, such as identification, marriage certificates, and proof of income.

• Attending counseling sessions to prepare for adoption.

2. Home Study and Assessment

A comprehensive home study is conducted by a social worker from the adoption society to evaluate the applicants’ suitability.

This process typically takes 2-3 months and includes:

• Interviews: Individual and joint interviews with the applicants to assess their motivation, parenting skills, and understanding of adoption.

• Home Visits: The social worker visits the applicants’ home to evaluate the living environment, ensuring it is safe and conducive to raising a child.

• Background Checks: Verification of criminal records, employment status, and financial stability.

• References: Contacting personal and professional references to confirm the applicants’ character.

The social worker compiles a detailed home study report, which is submitted to the adoption society’s panel for approval. If approved, the applicants are placed on a waiting list for child placement.

3. Matching and Placement

Once approved, the adoption society matches the applicants with a child based on the home study findings and the child’s needs.

Key steps include:

• Child Identification: The society identifies a child who is legally free for adoption. This involves confirming that the child’s biological parents have given consent or that parental rights have been terminated by a court.

• Introduction: The applicants meet the child under supervised conditions, often over several visits, to build a bond.

• Placement: If the match is successful, the child is placed with the applicants for a fostering period of at least three months. During this time, the applicants act as foster parents while the adoption society monitors the relationship.

4. Court Application

After the fostering period, the applicants file an adoption application in the High Court or a designated Children’s Court.

The process involves:

• Legal Representation: Applicants must hire an advocate to prepare and file the adoption petition.

• Required Documents:

  • Home study report from the adoption society.

  • Consent from the child’s biological parents or a court order terminating parental rights.

  • Medical reports for both the child and applicants.

  • Birth certificate of the child (if available).

  • Recommendation from the adoption society.

• Guardian Ad Litem: The court appoints a guardian ad litem (an independent social worker or officer) to represent the child’s interests and submit a report.

• Court Hearing: The judge reviews the application, home study, and guardian ad litem report. The applicants and child may be required to appear in court. The court assesses whether the adoption serves the child’s best interests.

If approved, the court issues an adoption order, legally establishing the parent-child relationship. The order is registered with the Registrar of Adoptions, and a new birth certificate is issued with the adoptive parents’ names.

5. Post-Adoption Follow-Up

For domestic adoptions, the adoption society conducts follow-up visits for up to one year to ensure the child’s well-being. For inter-country adoptions, the adoptive parents must submit periodic reports to the Kenyan government and their home country’s authorities, as required by the Hague Convention.

Inter-Country Adoption Considerations

Inter-country adoptions are more complex due to additional legal requirements.

Foreign applicants must:

• Work through an accredited adoption agency in their home country.

• Obtain approval from their country’s central adoption authority.

• Reside in Kenya for at least three months during the fostering period.

• Comply with post-adoption reporting obligations.

The National Adoption Committee prioritizes domestic adoptions, so inter-country adoptions are only approved when no suitable Kenyan family is available.

Costs and Timelines

The cost of adoption in Kenya varies depending on the adoption society and legal fees.

Approximate costs include:

• Adoption Society Fees: For assessments and placement.

• Legal Fees: For court applications.

• Miscellaneous Costs: Medical reports, travel, and documentation.

The entire process typically takes 12-24 months, depending on the child’s availability, court schedules, and the applicants’ preparedness.

Challenges in the Adoption Process

Despite a robust legal framework, adoption in Kenya faces challenges, including:

• Bureaucracy: Lengthy court processes and documentation requirements can delay adoptions.

• Cultural Stigma: Some communities view adoption negatively, preferring biological children.

• Limited Resources: Adoption societies and children’s homes are often underfunded, leading to delays in processing.

• Illegal Practices: Unregulated adoptions or child trafficking pose risks, prompting stricter oversight.

Conclusion

Adoption in Kenya is a well-regulated process under the Children Act, 2001, designed to safeguard the rights and welfare of children. While the process is rigorous, involving eligibility assessments, home studies, and court applications, it ensures that children are placed in loving, stable homes. Prospective adoptive parents must be prepared for the emotional, financial, and legal commitment required. By working with registered adoption societies and adhering to legal requirements, applicants can navigate the process successfully, providing a child with a permanent, nurturing family.

For more information, consult us on +254 716 808 104 or info@lawguide.co.ke.