If you are planning to get married abroad, apply for a foreign visa, or register for certain government benefits in Kenya, there is a good chance you will be asked to provide proof that you are legally single. In Kenya, this proof takes the form of a Single Status Affidavit — also called an Affidavit of Single Status or Certificate of No Impediment.
Despite being one of the most commonly required legal documents for Kenyans travelling or marrying internationally, many people are unsure what it is, whether they actually need one, and how to obtain it correctly. This guide answers all of those questions.
A Single Status Affidavit is a sworn legal declaration that you are not currently married. It is commissioned before an advocate or Commissioner of Oaths, costs approximately KES 2,000–5,000 total, and is typically accepted by foreign embassies, marriage registrars, and government agencies.
What is a Single Status Affidavit?
A Single Status Affidavit is a statutory declaration in which you swear, under oath, that you are not currently married under any law — Kenyan civil law, customary law, Islamic law, or any other legal system. It confirms that there is no legal impediment to you entering into a new marriage.
Unlike a birth certificate or ID card, a Single Status Affidavit is not issued by the government. It is a self-sworn document, prepared using a standard template and then commissioned (witnessed and stamped) by an advocate or Commissioner of Oaths. The sworn nature of the document is what gives it legal weight — making a false statement in an affidavit is a criminal offence under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act.
Who Needs a Single Status Affidavit in Kenya?
Marrying a Foreign National
Most foreign embassies and marriage registrars require Kenyan nationals to prove single status before approving an international marriage registration.
Spousal or Partner Visa Applications
Countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia may require a Single Status Affidavit as part of a spousal or fiancé(e) visa application.
Getting Married Abroad
If you are getting married outside Kenya — whether in Europe, the Gulf states, or elsewhere — the local marriage registrar will almost always require proof of single status from your home country.
NSSF & Government Benefits
Some government agencies and insurance providers require proof of single status when registering dependants or updating beneficiary information.
Employment Abroad
Certain overseas employers — particularly in the Gulf region — require single status declarations as part of the employment documentation package.
Legal Proceedings
Inheritance claims, succession matters, and some court proceedings may require proof of marital status.
What Documents Do You Need to Prepare One?
- Your Kenyan National ID (original and photocopy)
- Your KRA PIN
- A passport photograph
- If previously married: Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate of former spouse
- The affidavit template — filled in with your personal details before commissioning
A Single Status Affidavit is only valid if you are genuinely legally single. If you were previously married, you must attach either a Decree Absolute (divorce certificate) or a Death Certificate of your late spouse to the affidavit. Swearing that you are single when you are not is a criminal offence.
How to Get a Single Status Affidavit in Kenya — Step by Step
Download or Obtain the Affidavit Template
Get a standard Single Status Affidavit template — available from Sheria.ke or from an advocate's office. The template is a pre-formatted sworn declaration with blank fields for your personal details.
Fill in Your Personal Details
Complete the template with your full legal name (exactly as it appears on your ID), ID number, date of birth, residential address, occupation, and nationality. Do not sign the document yet — it must be signed in front of the Commissioner of Oaths.
Visit a Commissioner of Oaths or Advocate
Take your completed (unsigned) affidavit, your original National ID, and any supporting documents to an advocate or Commissioner of Oaths. They will verify your identity, witness you signing the affidavit, and stamp and sign it. This commissioning step is what makes the document legally valid — an unsigned or unwitnessed affidavit has no legal standing.
Get the Document Notarised if Required Abroad
Some foreign embassies and institutions require the affidavit to be notarised (a higher level of authentication than commissioning) and in some cases apostilled (internationally certified). If the requesting institution is outside Kenya, confirm whether they need notarisation or apostille before commissioning. Notarisation is done by an advocate admitted to the High Court. Apostille is processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How Much Does a Single Status Affidavit Cost in Kenya?
| Service | Cost (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit Template (Sheria.ke) | 300 | Download and fill in yourself |
| Commissioner of Oaths Fee | 500 – 1,000 | Varies by provider |
| Advocate Commissioning (Ochieng Omollo) | 2,000 | Includes stamping and signing |
| Notarisation (if required) | 3,000 – 5,000 | For foreign use requiring notary |
| Apostille (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) | ~2,000 | Only if required by receiving country |
| Typical Total (Kenya use) | KES 2,300 – 3,000 | Template + commissioning |
How Long is a Single Status Affidavit Valid?
There is no statutory expiry period for a Single Status Affidavit under Kenyan law. However, most foreign embassies and marriage registrars will only accept an affidavit that was commissioned within the last 3 to 6 months. Always check the specific requirement of the institution you are submitting to before commissioning — it is wasteful to get the document dated too early if the institution has a recency requirement.
Single Status Affidavit vs. Certificate of No Impediment — What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably but there is a technical distinction. A Single Status Affidavit is a self-sworn declaration prepared and commissioned in Kenya. A Certificate of No Impediment is sometimes issued by the Registrar of Marriages at the Attorney General's office and carries additional official weight. Some foreign embassies specifically require the Certificate of No Impediment rather than a private affidavit. If you are unsure which one is needed, contact the requesting institution directly before proceeding.
Get Your Single Status Affidavit Template
Sheria.ke's Single Status Affidavit template is drafted by Ochieng Omollo & Co. Advocates — correctly worded for Kenyan law and accepted by embassies and government agencies. Download and take it straight to your Commissioner of Oaths.
Download the Template — KES 300 →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Single Status Affidavit if I am divorced?
Yes — but you must attach your Decree Absolute (divorce certificate) to the affidavit. The affidavit will state that you are currently single following the dissolution of your previous marriage, and the divorce certificate provides the supporting evidence.
Does a Single Status Affidavit need to be translated?
If you are submitting the affidavit to an institution in a non-English-speaking country, a certified translation may be required. Kenya's affidavits are in English, which is accepted by most countries. For submissions in France, Germany, Japan, or other non-English jurisdictions, engage a certified translator.
Can a lawyer prepare and commission my affidavit on the same day?
Yes. In most cases, bringing your ID and a completed template to an advocate's office allows for same-day commissioning. Sheria.ke's partner firm, Ochieng Omollo & Co. Advocates, offers walk-in commissioning appointments.
Is a Single Status Affidavit the same as a bachelors certificate?
Essentially yes — a "bachelors certificate" is an informal term sometimes used for the Single Status Affidavit. The formal legal document in Kenya is the sworn affidavit. Some Gulf state employers use the term "bachelorhood certificate" but the document they require is the same sworn affidavit commissioned by an advocate.