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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Kenya"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ke-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ke-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ke-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ke-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
−
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ke_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/afr/ke_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Mara-Young-Men-Jumping-2012.JPG/800px-Mara-Young-Men-Jumping-2012.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' A group of Maasai men showing their traditional "jumping dance".'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Mara-Young-Men-Jumping-2012.JPG/800px-Mara-Young-Men-Jumping-2012.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' A group of Maasai men showing their traditional "jumping dance".'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Coat_of_arms_of_Kenya.svg/609px-Coat_of_arms_of_Kenya.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Coat_of_arms_of_Kenya.svg/609px-Coat_of_arms_of_Kenya.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Nairobi_Montage.jpg/545px-Nairobi_Montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Nairobi, Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Nairobi_Montage.jpg/545px-Nairobi_Montage.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Nairobi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Kikuyu_woman_traditional_dress.jpg/450px-Kikuyu_woman_traditional_dress.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Kikuyu woman in traditional dress.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Kikuyu_woman_traditional_dress.jpg/450px-Kikuyu_woman_traditional_dress.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Kikuyu woman in traditional dress.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Kenya-Tealand-Near-Kericho-2012.JPG/800px-Kenya-Tealand-Near-Kericho-2012.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' A tea plantation near Kericho in the Kenyan highlands.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Kenya-Tealand-Near-Kericho-2012.JPG/800px-Kenya-Tealand-Near-Kericho-2012.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' A tea plantation near Kericho in the Kenyan highlands.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8c/Maasai_Woman_Meeyu_Sale_Wearing_her_Finest.jpg/476px-Maasai_Woman_Meeyu_Sale_Wearing_her_Finest.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A Maasai woman, Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Mombasa_biashara_street.jpg/450px-Mombasa_biashara_street.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Biashara Street in Mombasa.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Mombasa_biashara_street.jpg/450px-Mombasa_biashara_street.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Biashara Street in Mombasa, Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Yellow_sunset_at_Tsavo_East_National_Park.jpg/800px-Yellow_sunset_at_Tsavo_East_National_Park.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sunset over Tsavo East National Park.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Yellow_sunset_at_Tsavo_East_National_Park.jpg/800px-Yellow_sunset_at_Tsavo_East_National_Park.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Sunset over Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Mombasa_montage.png/545px-Mombasa_montage.png|410x579px|thumb|'''Collage of Mombasa.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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=Hague Convention Information=
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
−
=Who Can Adopt=
+
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
  
−
==Residency==
+
=About Kenya=
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
+
Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led [[Kenya]] from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a [[De Facto|de facto]] one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling [[Kenya]] African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in [[Kenya]]. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. To learn more please read [[About Kenya]].
  
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==Marriage==
 
  
−
==Income==
+
=Kenya Adoption Alert=
  
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==Other==
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There have been several [[adoption]] alerts for [[Kenya]]. To learn more please read the [[Kenya Adoption Alert]] page.
  
 +
 +
=Hague Convention Information=
 +
 +
[[Kenya]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague [[Adoption]] Convention]). Intercountry [[adoption]] processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing [[legislation]], the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing [[legislation]] and regulations of [[Kenya]]. To learn more please read about [[Kenya and the Hague Convention]].
 +
 +
 +
=Who Can Adopt=
 +
 +
In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to meet [[Kenya]]’s requirements to [[adopt]] a child. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Kenya]].
 +
 
  
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
 +
 +
Because [[Kenya]] is party to The Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Kenya]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. For more information please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Kenya]].
  
  
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==   Adoption Authority==
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'''WARNING:''' [[Kenya]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Do not [[adopt]] or obtain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of a child in [[Kenya]] before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Adoption Authority==
 +
 
 +
'''[[Kenya]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 
 +
The [[Adoption]] Committee
 +
 
 +
P.O. Box 46205-00100
 +
Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
 +
Tel: 254-020-2228-411 ext 30040
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''NOTE:''' If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]]: 1) you filed a Form [[I-600A]] identifying [[Kenya]] as the country where you intended to [[adopt]]; 2) you filed a Form [[I-600]]; or; 3) the [[adoption]] was completed. Under these circumstances, your [[adopted]] child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/Intercountry-Adoption/Adoption-Process/how-to-adopt/hague-transition-cases.html Transition Cases]. Similarly, if the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force in [[Kenya]] after April 1, 2008, and you have an approved, unexpired Form [[I-600A]] or filed a Form [[I-600]] before the entry into force date in [[Kenya]], your [[adoption]] may be considered a transition case. Please contact adoptionusca@state.gov with the details of the case if this situation applies to you.
 +
 
 +
==The Process==
 +
 
 +
Because [[Kenya]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Kenya]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order to meet all necessary legal requirements. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
# Choose a U.S. accredited or approved [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
 +
# Be matched with a child by authorities in [[Kenya]]
 +
# Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the [[adoption]]
 +
# [[Adopt]] (or Obtain [[Legal Custody]]) of child in [[Kenya]]
 +
# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
 +
 
 +
To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Kenya]].
  
−
==The Process==
 
  
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 
=Traveling Abroad=
 +
 +
'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
 +
 +
U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Kenya]].
  
  
 
=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
 +
 +
'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
 +
 +
[[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must submit post [[adoption]] reports on the child’s welfare (with pictures) for five years, every three months for the first two years immediately following the [[adoption]] and then every six months for the last three years. Post-[[adoption]] reports can be submitted through your U.S. [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] to the [[Kenya]] [[adoption]] society that made the [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] and child placement.
 +
 +
 +
We strongly urge you to comply with [[Kenya]]’s post-[[adoption]] requirements in a timely manner. Your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s history of positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
 +
 +
 +
'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
 +
 +
Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
 +
 +
 +
'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
 +
 +
 +
=Contact Information=
 +
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Kenya]]'''
 +
 +
Consular Section
 +
U.S. Embassy
 +
P.O. Box 606
 +
Village Market
 +
00621 Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
 +
Tel: +254 (0)20 363-6622
 +
Fax: +254 (0)20 363-6410
 +
Email: NairobiAdoptions@State.gov
 +
Internet: [http://Nairobi.USEmbassy.gov U.S. Embassy]
 +
 +
 +
'''[[Kenya]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 +
 +
The [[Adoption]] Committee
 +
P.O. Box 46205-00100
 +
Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
 +
Tel: +254 (0)20 222-8411 ext 30040
 +
 +
 +
'''Embassy of [[Kenya]]'''
 +
 +
Embassy of the Republic of [[Kenya]]
 +
2249 R Street, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
 +
Tel: (202) 387-6101
 +
Fax: (202) 462-3829
 +
Internet: [http://kenyaembassy.com Embassy of Kenya]
 +
 +
 +
[[Kenya]] also has consulates in: Los Angeles and [[New York]] City
 +
 +
 +
'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
 +
 +
U.S. Department of State 
 +
CA/OCS/CI - SA-17, 9th Floor
 +
[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
 +
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
 +
Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov   
 +
Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
 +
 +
 +
'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
 +
 +
For questions about immigration procedures:
 +
National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
 +
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 +
Internet: [http://uscis.gov USCIS]
 +
 +
 +
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or I-800 petition:
 +
National Benefits Center
 +
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
 +
Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
  
  
 
==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
−
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+
'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' [[adoption]].state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=[[kenya]]
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 15:16, 29 June 2021

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

A group of Maasai men showing their traditional "jumping dance".
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Nairobi.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A Kikuyu woman in traditional dress.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A tea plantation near Kericho in the Kenyan highlands.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Biashara Street in Mombasa.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Sunset over Tsavo East National Park.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Mombasa.
Source: Wikipedia.org.


Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Kenya

Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence in 1963 until his death in 1978, when President Daniel MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. To learn more please read About Kenya.


Kenya Adoption Alert

There have been several adoption alerts for Kenya. To learn more please read the Kenya Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Kenya is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Kenya. To learn more please read about Kenya and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective adoptive parents need to meet Kenya’s requirements to adopt a child. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Kenya.


Who Can Be Adopted

Because Kenya is party to The Hague Adoption Convention, children from Kenya must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. For more information please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Kenya.


How to Adopt

WARNING: Kenya is party to the Hague Adoption Convention. Do not adopt or obtain legal custody of a child in Kenya before a U.S. consular officer issues an “Article 5 Letter” in the case. Read on for more information.


Adoption Authority

Kenya's Adoption Authority

The Adoption Committee

P.O. Box 46205-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 254-020-2228-411 ext 30040


NOTE: If any of the following occurred prior to April 1, 2008 (the date on which the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force with respect to the United States), the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption: 1) you filed a Form I-600A identifying Kenya as the country where you intended to adopt; 2) you filed a Form I-600; or; 3) the adoption was completed. Under these circumstances, your adopted child’s visa application could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions. For more information, read about Transition Cases. Similarly, if the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force in Kenya after April 1, 2008, and you have an approved, unexpired Form I-600A or filed a Form I-600 before the entry into force date in Kenya, your adoption may be considered a transition case. Please contact adoptionusca@state.gov with the details of the case if this situation applies to you.

The Process

Because Kenya is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Kenya must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order to meet all necessary legal requirements. Adoptions completed out of order may result in the child not being eligible for an immigrant visa to the United States.


  1. Choose a U.S. accredited or approved adoption service provider
  2. Apply to USCIS to be found eligible to adopt
  3. Be matched with a child by authorities in Kenya
  4. Apply to USCIS for the child to be found eligible for immigration to the United States and receive U.S. agreement to proceed with the adoption
  5. Adopt (or Obtain Legal Custody) of child in Kenya
  6. Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home

To learn more about this process please read How to Adopt from Kenya.


Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Kenya.


After Adoption

Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements

Adoptive parents must submit post adoption reports on the child’s welfare (with pictures) for five years, every three months for the first two years immediately following the adoption and then every six months for the last three years. Post-adoption reports can be submitted through your U.S. adoption service provider to the Kenya adoption society that made the adoptive parent and child placement.


We strongly urge you to comply with Kenya’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s history of positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.


Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Kenya

Consular Section U.S. Embassy P.O. Box 606 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 363-6622 Fax: +254 (0)20 363-6410 Email: NairobiAdoptions@State.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy


Kenya’s Adoption Authority

The Adoption Committee P.O. Box 46205-00100 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)20 222-8411 ext 30040


Embassy of Kenya

Embassy of the Republic of Kenya 2249 R Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008 Tel: (202) 387-6101 Fax: (202) 462-3829 Internet: Embassy of Kenya


Kenya also has consulates in: Los Angeles and New York City


Office of Children’s Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI - SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) Internet: USCIS


For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or I-800 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=kenya