Do you need notary public services in Kenya? Do you want to ensure that your legal documents are valid and enforceable? Our lawyers have you covered.
Who is a Notary Public in Kenya?
A notary public is a public officer commissioned by the government to perform specific legal functions, primarily related to the witnessing of document signing and verifying authenticity.
An individual or more than one party can do the signing in the notary public’s presence.
Notaries public play a crucial role in ensuring the legality and validity of various documents and transactions, which often includes verifying the identities of the signees.
In Kenya, notary public services are essential for individuals, businesses, and organizations that require verification and authentication of documents, contracts, and signatures
Do you need notary public services in Kenya? Do you want to ensure that your legal documents are valid and enforceable? Our lawyers have you covered.
Types of Notarial Services Available in Kenya
Notarial services in Kenya encompass a broad spectrum of functions crucial to legal processes, including but not limited to document notarization, signature authentication, witnessing and attesting documents, administering oaths and affirmations, and drafting legal documents.
The following provides a comprehensive elucidation of these services:
- Document Notarization (Legalization) A fundamental duty of a notary public in Kenya is the notarization of documents. This entails verifying the authenticity of a document or signature and certifying its legitimacy.
To complete this process, the notary public may affix a signature, stamp, or seal as necessary for full authentication.
Notaries public in Kenya are empowered to notarize various document types, including but not limited to:
- Affidavits: Sworn statements made under oath, often utilized as evidence in legal proceedings.
- International Documents: Legal papers, such as powers of attorney, wills, deeds, contracts, and others, necessitate preparation and notarization to ensure recognition and enforceability in foreign jurisdictions.
- Statutory Declarations: Voluntary statements of facts confirmed by the solemn declaration of the declarant.
- Certified True Copies: Notaries public can certify that photocopies of documents are true and accurate replicas of the originals.
- Academic Documents: Notarization may be required to validate Kenyan academic certificates, such as KCSE certificates, for use outside the country.
- Authentication of Signatures Notaries public also hold the responsibility of authenticating signatures on various documents, including but not limited to:
- Powers of Attorney: Legal instruments granting one individual authority to act on behalf of another in specified matters.
- Contracts and Agreements: Notaries public authenticate signatures on contracts and agreements to ensure their legal validity and enforceability.
- Witnessing and Attesting Documents Notaries public may serve as witnesses to document signings, ensuring that all involved parties comprehend the document’s contents and execute it voluntarily.
This service is particularly vital for documents necessitating independent verification of the parties’ identities and intentions.
- Administering Oaths and Affirmations Notaries public in Kenya possess the authority to administer oaths and affirmations, solemn promises made to tell the truth or fulfill specific obligations.
Oaths are integral to legal proceedings or when submitting official documents to government entities.
- Drafting Legal Documents In Kenya, notaries public may also provide services related to drafting legal documents, such as deeds or wills.
To qualify as a notary public in Kenya, one must possess a legal background and be an advocate. However, not all notaries public may offer drafting services due to variations in legal experience, expertise, and preferences.
For assistance with your legal documents and agreements, please contact Muthii W.M Associates.
