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In Kenya, a Notary Public is a qualified legal professional authorized by the government to authenticate documents, administer oaths, and perform various official legal functions. Notaries play a vital role in ensuring that legal documents are genuine and meet the necessary legal requirements. Their services are essential for individuals and businesses in need of legally recognized documents for both domestic and international use.

This article will guide you on what a Notary Public in Kenya does, how to get a document notarized, notary public fees in Kenya, the notary public stamp in Kenya, and other key details, including a list of notary public services and specific notary public services in Nairobi.

What is a Notary Public in Kenya?

A Notary Public in Kenya is a qualified lawyer who has been appointed by the Attorney General to perform various legal functions related to the notarization of documents. A Notary’s primary responsibility is to witness signatures, verify the authenticity of documents, and administer oaths. They are authorized to authenticate documents, making them legally binding.

Some of the duties of a Notary Public in Kenya include:

  • Witnessing Signatures: A Notary Public witnesses the signing of important legal documents, ensuring the signature is genuine and voluntary.
  • Administering Oaths and Affirmations: Notaries can administer oaths, which are necessary for the swearing of affidavits, statutory declarations, and other legal statements.
  • Certifying Copies of Documents: Notaries are authorized to make certified copies of documents, such as birth certificates, academic records, and property documents, which may be required for official purposes.
  • Apostille and Authentication of Documents: Notaries in Kenya can authenticate documents that are to be used abroad, such as powers of attorney or affidavits, through the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How to Get a Document Notarized in Kenya

Notarizing a document in Kenya is a simple process, but it requires some essential steps to ensure that the document is legally valid.

  1. Find a Notary Public: The first step is to locate a registered and qualified Notary Public. Notaries are typically found in law firms or legal practices in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Ruiru.
    • Muthii Associates: For those looking for a reliable Notary Public, Muthii Associates is a well-known firm providing notarial services in Kenya. Their team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist with notarizing your documents, including land transactions, contracts, affidavits, and more.
  2. Prepare the Documents: Bring the document you need to be notarized to the Notary. This could be a contract, a will, an affidavit, or any other legal document. If the document requires multiple signatories, make sure all parties are present to sign in front of the Notary.
  3. Proof of Identity: You will need to provide identification. This can include a National ID card, passport, or driver’s license. The Notary will verify your identity before proceeding.
  4. Sign in the Presence of the Notary: The Notary will ensure that all parties sign the document in their presence. The signature is witnessed, and the Notary will then stamp and affix their signature to authenticate the document.
  5. Payment of Fees: After the document is notarized, you will be required to pay the notary public fees (explained below).
  6. Receive the Notarized Document: Once the document is notarized, you will receive it with the official notary public stamp. This makes it legally binding and certified for use.

Notary Public Fees in Kenya

The fees for Notary Public services in Kenya can vary depending on the complexity of the document and the nature of the transaction. In general, notary public fees in Kenya are regulated but can differ between individual practitioners or law firms.

  • Witnessing Signatures: The cost for witnessing a signature usually ranges from KSh 500 to KSh 2,000. This can vary depending on the document type and the urgency of the service.
  • Certifying Copies: For certifying copies of documents, such as birth certificates or academic records, the fees can range between KSh 1,000 to KSh 3,000 per document.
  • Affidavits and Statutory Declarations: For administering oaths or notarizing affidavits, the charges are generally KSh 2,000 to KSh 5,000, depending on the complexity and the number of pages.
  • Apostille Services: If you need documents notarized for use abroad (e.g., powers of attorney, contracts), apostille services are usually priced higher. Apostille fees can range from KSh 3,000 to KSh 10,000, depending on the destination country and the level of service.

It’s always advisable to contact the Notary Public in advance to inquire about specific fees, especially if you have a complex or urgent request.

Notary Public Stamp in Kenya

The Notary Public Stamp is a crucial part of the notarization process. It is an official stamp applied by the Notary Public to the document to signify that it has been authenticated. The stamp is unique to each Notary and typically includes the following details:

  • The name of the Notary Public.
  • The jurisdiction in which the Notary is registered.
  • The date the document was notarized.
  • The Notary’s registration number.

The notary public stamp confirms that the Notary has verified the authenticity of the document, and it is a legally recognized mark in Kenya and abroad.

List of Notary Public in Kenya

If you’re looking for a Notary Public in Kenya, here are a few reputable law firms and professionals you can approach for notarization services:

  1. Muthii Associates: Known for their professional and reliable notary services in Nairobi and across Kenya, Muthii Associates offers notary services for business contracts, land transactions, oaths, and more.
  2. FIDA Kenya (Federation of Women Lawyers): A well-established organization that provides legal assistance and also has Notary Public services.
  3. Kilonzo & Company Advocates: A law firm offering notarial services, including real estate transactions, contract authentication, and more.
  4. Clyde & Co Advocates: This Nairobi-based law firm offers various legal services, including notarization of business documents, contracts, and powers of attorney.
  5. Kenya Law Society Members: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) provides a list of registered Notary Publics. You can visit their website to get a list of qualified notaries in Nairobi and other regions.

Notary Public Services in Nairobi

If you are located in Nairobi, you’ll find numerous options for Notary Public services, given the city’s status as Kenya’s legal and business hub. Some of the common notarial services you can access in Nairobi include:

  • Witnessing Signatures on Contracts
  • Land Sale Agreements and Title Deeds
  • Wills and Testamentary Documents
  • Affidavits for Legal Proceedings
  • Authentication of Documents for International Use

Nairobi has a wide range of law firms, legal practitioners, and notaries who are available for quick and efficient notarization services. You can easily find a Notary Public in Nairobi by contacting local law firms or using online platforms like the Law Society of Kenya website.

Conclusion

In Kenya, the role of a Notary Public is essential in ensuring that legal documents are authentic and legally recognized. Whether you are signing a contract, creating a will, or needing documents authenticated for use abroad, a Notary Public can assist in the process. With a clear understanding of notary public fees in Kenya, the necessary steps for notarizing a document, and where to find reputable services, you can confidently engage in any legal or property transactions requiring notarization.

If you’re in need of a Notary Public, whether in Nairobi, Ruiru, or elsewhere in Kenya, it’s crucial to work with a qualified and reputable professional to avoid potential legal issues. Muthii Associates and other law firms across Kenya offer a range of notary public services, ensuring that your legal documentation is handled professionally and securely.

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