Consular Services

The Embassy provides various Consular Services to Kenyans resident or visiting the State of Israel as guided by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR) 1963. The Convention provides for an Embassy which represents a government in a host country to offer consular service to her nationals. The Embassy of Kenya in Israel therefore, provides the following Consular Services:

  • Legalization (authentication) of official documents issued by the Government of Kenya
  • Legalization (authentication) of documents issued by competent Israeli Authorities and Institutions  
  • Assistance to Kenyans in Israel in case of arrest and/or detention
  • Advise on passport Application. NOTE:  Kenyans in Diaspora will be able to apply for the new Kenyan passport from the following Kenyan Embassies and consulates overseas;
        1. Washington DC, USA.
        2. London, UK.
        3. Berlin, Germany.
        4. Paris, France.
        5. Dubai, UAE.
        6. Pretoria, South Africa.
  • Application for Birth Certificates for children of Kenyans born in Israel, or for duplicates of lost birth certificates
  • Application for Certificate of Good Conduct
  • Applications for Kenyan Driving licenses
  • Application for Certificate of “No-impediment to Marriage”
  • Requirements for non-Kenyans wishing to conduct a marriage ceremony in Kenya
  • Marriage Registration Form in Kenya
  • Renunciation of Kenyan Citizenship.
  1. Kenyans in and/or Visiting Israel

Provision of Consular Services to Kenyan Diaspora in Israel and other Kenyans visiting Israel (including short private visits and pilgrimages) form an important part of the services that the Embassy is mandated to offer. It is important to note that efficient and effective Consular Services to Kenyans can be delivered were they to register at the Embassy promptly and upon arrival in Israel. Therefore, the Embassy encourages all Kenyans who have not registered to do so by visiting the Embassy.

Further, the registration can now be done on-line or through the post by completing the  “Registration of Kenyans” Form  which can be down-loaded by clicking this link (Download the Form here…)
 
Note: Your name should be entered it appears on your Passport. Remember to provide your telephone contacts and e-mail address.

It is always advisable to keep copies of the relevant pages of your own and your family’s Kenyan Passport as they will come in handy in cases of emergency (including lost or stolen Passport). For the same reason, you are advised to keep copies of all Kenyan documents at home.  

  1. Authentication (Legalization) of official documents issued by the Government of Kenya

The Embassy authenticates (legalizes) official documents issued by the Government of Kenya at a minimal cost – per copy i.e. NIS. 200.00. The process normally takes, as per our Service Charter, four to six weeks in consultation with the relevant issuing authority back in Kenya, between the time  of submission and collection.

III. Legalization (authentication) of documents issued by competent Israeli Authorities and Institutions 

Documents originating from Israel and meant for use in Kenya, must first be translated from Hebrew to English, certified and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel. The document may then be brought to the Embassy for authentication with the requisite fees of  NIS. 200.00 per copy of the document. 

  1. Assistance to Kenyans in Israel in case of arrest and/or detention

Kenyans residing or visiting Israel are strongly advised to always observe the laws and regulations of this country in order to avoid getting into costly legal processes. Kenyans are particularly urged to keep their immigration status valid at all times so as to avoid the risk of facing deportation. In addition, all travel documents should be kept valid.

Note: It is important to register with the Embassy in case of any eventualities.

If for any reason(s) you are arrested and/or detained by a concerned Israeli Authorities: 

  • Do not resist the arrest: Resisting arrest is not only punished by all Governments in the World, but it will also serve to aggravate your legal problems. It is important at that moment to seek for an explanation of the arrest from the law enforcers. Request immediately to talk to a Consular Officer at the Embassy.
  • Give consent to the enforcement agency to notify the Embassy, Consular Section: It is important that you give your consent for the Israeli agency to inform the Embassy about your arrest and/or detention. This could be the only way that the Embassy, and your next of kin, will learn about your predicament and find possible ways to assist you. If possible, request for communication facilities to talk to the Embassy as we accept and are able to receive calls even from Israeli police cells or jails.

Upon receipt of the information about an arrest/and detention of a Kenyan in Israeli jail, the Embassy will provide a range of Consular services including:

  1. Visit the concerned person(s) in prison to ensure that he/she is receiving humane treatment.
  2. Talk and try to assist the person in arranging for legal representation, especially by liaising with the leaders of Kenya Welfare Association in Israel.
  3. Attempt to ensure that they receive a fair and speedy trial.
  4. Facilitate communication with their families or next of kin in Israel or in Kenya.
  • Honesty: When informing the Embassy about your predicament, please state your case honestly and provide names and contacts of individuals, both in Israel and in Kenya, you wish to inform about your situation. The Embassy will communicate your message to them as soon as possible.
  • “Right to remain silent”: If you can afford an Israeli Attorney or Lawyer, inform the enforcement agency that arrested/and or detained you that you wish to decline to answer questions relating to your case except in the presence and with the advice of your Attorney or Lawyer.
  1. Emergency Certificates

Emergency Certificates are ONLY issued to Kenyans in case of genuine emergencies.

Requirements:

  1. Letter explaining the nature of emergency and a copy of the letter.
  2. Two filled Forms 19 (Click here to download…)
  3. Two current Passport Photographs (NOTE: computer generated photos are not acceptable).
  4. The Expired Passport.
  5. Two copies of Birth Certificate or National Identity Card.
  6. Home and/or work telephone numbers.

ADDITIONAL CONSULAR SERVICES

TO OUR ESTEEMED CLIENTS:

All payments for services offered below are to be paid in the Embassy’s Bank Account given below:

 

Bank Name: Bank Leumi
Account Name: Embassy of the Republic of Kenya
Branch: Kfar Shmaryahu (No.844)
Account Number: 464594/83

NEW CHANGES ON KENYAN CITIZENSHIP 

The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Tel Aviv would like to inform that the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (2011) which implements Chapter Three (3) of the Kenya Constitution took effect on 30th August 2011, effectively repealing the following Acts:

  • Kenya Citizenship Act Cap. 170
  • The Immigration Act Cap. 172
  • The Aliens Restriction Act Cap. 173 of the Laws of Kenya

Consequently, Kenyans residing in the State of Israel and who hold Israeli Passport should take note of the following: 

  1. A person born of a Kenyan parent irrespective of the place of birth automatically becomes a citizen of Kenya by birth.
  2. The Kenya Constitution confers automatic recognition to persons holding citizenship of other countries as citizens of Kenya by birth as long as they can able to prove parentage as stated above (i.e. provide Kenyan National Identity Cards; Passports etc).

Regaining Kenya Citizenship

Kenyan citizens by birth who ceased to be citizens of Kenya by voluntarily acquiring the citizenship of the State of Israel and/or renouncing the citizenship of Kenya in accordance with the old Constitution may regain citizenship upon application in the prescribed manner.

Applicants wishing to do so should fully complete the Application to Regain Kenya Citizenship (Form 5) (fully completed and in duplicate); and enclose:

  • Certified copies of evidence of citizenship (such as certified copies of both passports; Kenyan ID, Certificate of Registration etc).
  • Two (2) current coloured passport photos.

Declaration of Dual Citizenship

Under Section 8(4) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act (2011), it is an offence to fail to declare dual citizenship. Every Kenyan who holds dual citizenship and is 18 years old and above is required by law to declare the other citizenship within three (3) months of becoming a dual citizen.

You can make such a declaration through filling the Declaration made by a Dual Citizen -Form 2 (the form should be fully completed and in duplicate).

Note: The Form (Form 2) should be accompanied by certified copies of evidence of dual citizenship (such as both passports and certificates of Citizenship) and forwarded to the Embassy or sent to the Department of Immigration Services, Nairobi.

Any Kenyans in Israel who enjoyed dual citizenship but who by virtue of Kenya’s old Constitution renounced or lost their Kenyan citizenship upon attainment of the age of twenty three (23) years are now automatically deemed as citizens by birth.

Exemption from Visa requirement

Kenyan citizens who hold dual citizenship will be exempted from any visa requirements irrespective of the passport held (Kenyan or Israeli) so long as they have registered as dual citizens.
Kenyans can therefore opt to use any of the passports they hold to visit Kenya, provided that they can prove their Kenyan citizenship at the point of entry when using another country’s passport. It would nevertheless be advisable to ensure that the Kenyan passports remain valid at all times.

Passport Application Form to renew an expired passport.

You can read additional information on Kenyan citizenship. Click here to read the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.

 

The Embassy also gives the following other Consular Services:

Birth Certificate for a Kenyan child born in Israel

A child born of a Kenyan parent in Israel requires to be registered with the concerned Authorities in Kenya. In this, regard, the Embassy encourages Kenyans to as soon as possible register the Birth once it occurs in Israel. Download the Application for Registration of Births here… Or the Form can be obtained from the Embassy, Consular Services Section.

The following documents should accompany the Form:

  • Copies of relevant pages of parents’ Passports and Birth Certificates, duly certified by the Embassy.
  • Parents’ Marriage Certificate
  • Copy of the child’s Israeli Birth Certificate (translated, certified and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem).
  • Legalization (Authentication) Fee – NIS. 200.00 – should be paid in the Embassy’s bank Account
  • Processing fee – NIS. 9.00 -should be paid in the Embassy’s bank Account

Application for Duplicate Birth Certificate

The Embassy also assists Kenyans in Israel to acquire a Duplicate Birth Certificate in case of loss or mutilation. You need to attach the following documents to your Application Form (Download here…):

  • Photocopy of the Original Birth Certificate.
  • In case of loss: A Statement explaining the loss of the Original Birth Certificate.
  • Copies of Parents’ Passport or ID Cards.
  • Processing fee: NIS. 50.00 -should be paid in the Embassy’s bank Account

Duplicate birth certificates for Israelis born in Kenya

Due to long history of interactions between Kenyan and Israeli peoples, a number of Israelis were born in Kenya and may occasionally require Duplicate Birth Certificate.

The person requiring this service need therefore to: 

  • Attach a written statement explaining when and where the birth took place (the place of birth in Kenya) as well as the circumstances under which his Original Birth Certificate got lost.
  • A written statement explaining the reasons for application.
  • Birth notification slip issued by hospital in Kenya (for original) or photocopy of original birth certificate (for duplicate).
  • Copies of Parents’ Passports
  • Processing fee NIS.50.00 – should be paid in the Embassy’s bank Account

Note: Birth certificates are not issued by the Embassy and therefore Applications should be addressed to:

                   The Principal Civil Registrar
                   Department of Civil registration
                   P.O. Box 49179-00100
                   Nairobi, Kenya

Note: Application for Registration of a Death Occuring abroad; Late application forms for births and deaths can be found under the Forms and Downloads sections of this website.

Certificates of Good Conduct:

In order to facilitate a search into the records of those applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct, the Kenyan Police Service requires the applicant’s fingerprints to be taken by the Israeli at the time of application and on a prescribed Kenya Police form (Download the Application Form here…)

The finger prints must be taken at an Israeli Police Station and have an official endorsement with the concerned Police Station Seal or Official Stamp.

Please Note: Photocopied prints or prints used in previous applications are not accepted.

For Israeli nationals, the Kenya Police Service requires documentary evidence to support the period lived in Kenya stating also the immigration status by the time. This evidence may include copies of Residence Permits, Passport endorsement or copies of Alien Registration and letters of Appointment from the place of employment.

Search fee: NIS. 200.00 is payable at the Embassy’s Bank Account upon submission of the Application Form together with the requisite documents.

Processing time: The Certificate may be issued after three (3) or more months.

Note: If the applicant wishes to send the fingerprints and the Application Form directly to the Director, Criminal Investigation Department, Nairobi, a return postage for the same MUST be included.

Requirements for Certificate of Good Conduct for those living in Israel:

Kenyan citizens:

  • A complete set of all fingerprints and palm prints.
  • If the applicant is over 18 years of age, a clear photocopy of the Kenyan Second Generation ID card. (if the applicant was never issues with the ID card, he/she must prove he/she left Kenya before reaching the age of 18 years and is yet to return, and must provide the Embassy with a Certified Copies of his/her Birth Certificate and Kenyan Passport).
  • If the applicant is below 18 years, a Certified copies of the Birth Certificate and/or Kenyan passport.
  • Filled Application Form
  • A fee of NIS 200.00 payable at the Embassy’s Bank Account or for those sending the application directly to Nairobi, enclose a Banker’s Cheque of Ksh. 4,600 payable to:

                                        The Director,
                                        Criminal Investigation Department,
                                         P.O. Box 30036, Nairobi.

Non-Kenya citizens:

  • A complete set of all fingerprints and palm prints
  • A Certified Photocopy of the applicant’s Passport
  • Documentary proof that the applicant ever resided in Kenya for three (3) months or more
  • If the applicant is below 18 years, a Certified copy of the Birth Certificate;
  • Filled Application Form
  • A fee of NIS 200.00 payable at the Embassy’s Bank Account or for those sending the application directly to Nairobi, enclose a Banker’s Cheque of Ksh. 4,600 payable to:

                                       The Director,
                                       Criminal Investigation Department,
                                        P.O. Box 30036, Nairobi.

NOTE: Finger prints not taken on the prescribed Form and without Israeli Police endorsement, Seal or Stamp will not be accepted for processing by the Kenyan Police Service.

 

Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage:

The Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is issued, upon request by the Israeli authorities, to Kenyans who may wish to conduct a marriage in Israel. The Certificate is aimed at showing that the individuals are legally free to marry each other.

In order to apply for the Certificate through the Embassy in Tel Aviv, the following documents are required:  

Note: The Certificate can also be applied for directly to:
                                       The Registrar of Marriages,
                                       Department of Civil registration
                                       P.O. Box 30031-00100
                                       Nairobi, Kenya
                                       Tel: +254-20-227461

Requirement for non-Kenyans wishing to conduct a marriage ceremony in Kenya:

Non-Kenyan parties wishing to conduct a marriage ceremony in Kenya are required to produce the following documents:

  • Birth certificates
  • Valid passports
  • Decree Absolutes (if divorced)
  • Death Certificate (if widowed)
  • Statutory declarations of family register from City Officer stating the fact that one is single and free to marry. This should bear the City hall seal and official Stamp.
  • Parental consent in the form of a legal document, for persons below twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Residency in Kenya for twenty-one (21) days. If this is not possible, a special license should be obtained beforehand by contacting the Registrar’s Office in Kenya.
  • All documents must be seen and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and legalized or authenticated by the Embassy of Kenya in Tel Aviv.

Application for Kenyan driving licenses:

Kenyan driving licenses are only renewed and verified by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, who is the issuing Authority and can be contacted at the following address:
                                    Registrar of Motor Vehicles
                                    Times Tower
                                     P.O. Box 30160
                                     Nairobi, Kenya   
                                     Tel: +254-20-310900

Kenyans, who are in possession of a valid Kenyan driving licence and wish to obtain an Israel Driving Licence, must have the Kenyan driving license translated into Hebrew and then authenticated by the Embassy. Further, the Licence must be valid before taking both the theoretical and practical driving test in an Israel Driving Examination Center.

Marriage Registration Form in Kenya:

If a Marriage ceremony involving a Kenyan party has been performed in Israel, it is necessary for it to be registered in Kenya.(Download the Application Form for Marriage Registration here…).

The following are requirements for Application of Marriage Registration 

  • Duly completed marriage registration form
  • Original Israeli Marriage Certificate (translated, certified and legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Copies of Passports
  • Birth Certificate
  • Copy of the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
  • Fee: NIS 200.00 – should be paid in the Embassy’s bank Account

 

Renunciation of Kenyan Citizenship:

Under the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, it is permitted to hold dual nationality.  If in the past you had obtained an Israeli Passport, or you had renounced your Kenya citizenship, you are urgently required to contact the Embassy.

If for any other reasons a Kenyan in Israel still wishes to renounce the Kenyan citizenship (notwithstanding the current Kenyan Laws that allow Dual Citizenship), as soon as the Israeli citizenship is confirmed, the person must present him/herself at the Embassy with the following documents: