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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.}}
  
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{{#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.}}
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{{#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.}}
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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.'''<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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=Kenya Adoption Alert=
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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]].'''
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: New Kenyan [[Adoption]] Committee Formed (February 4, 2014)'''
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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.
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi received confirmation from the Government of Kenya that the new [[Adoption]] Committee members have been named and confirmed. The [[Adoption]] Committee held its first session on January 29 and is now processing adoptions again.  If you have additional questions on the processing of adoptions in Kenya, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues at askCI@state.gov.
 
  
 +
=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|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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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Kenya [[Adoption]] Committee Disbanded (January 7, 2014)'''
 
  
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The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi learned that the Kenyan Central Authority, the [[Adoption]] Committee, was disbanded, thereby impacting Kenya's ability to process intercountry adoptions. Processing of adoptions is, and will continue to be, delayed until the publication of the nomination of the new committee members. The Department of State understands that this event has triggered a number of inquiries from U.S. [[adoption]] service providers who want to learn how the disbandment will affect pending cases. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi continues to press for clarification and will engage with the new committee once it resumes work.  The Department will post any updates regarding this situation on [[adoption]].state.gov as we receive information from the Kenyan authorities.
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=Kenya Adoption Alert=
  
 +
There have been several [[adoption]] alerts for [[Kenya]]. To learn more please read the [[Kenya Adoption Alert]] page.
  
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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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.
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[[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]].
  
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*U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are reminded that Kenya’s Convention [[system]] places certain restrictions on intercountry adoptions. The key items to remember when considering adopting from Kenya are:
 
  
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*U.S. citizens who have lived in Kenya for fewer than three continuous years are prohibited from completing domestic adoptions in Kenya. Instead, they must complete Convention intercountry adoptions.
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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*Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must work with a U.S. accredited [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] that is also licensed in Kenya and partnered with a licensed Kenyan [[adoption]] society. However, because Kenyan [[adoption]] societies are responsible for recommending the placement of specific children with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to the [[Adoption]] Committee, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may not work directly with Kenyan [[adoption]] societies.
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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]].  
 +
 
  
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*Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are prohibited from adopting children they have previously met, unless the child is a direct blood relative.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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*Only children who are at least two years old and declared eligible for [[adoption]] by a licensed Kenyan [[adoption]] society are eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. Note: Children available for fostering in Kenya are generally in temporary need of care, and are usually not declared eligible for [[adoption]]. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi strongly advises U.S. citizens living in Kenya against fostering children if their underlying intention is to adopt them.
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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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*Kenyan procedures involve finalizing an [[adoption]] in Kenya. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] therefore should expect to finalize the [[adoption]] in Kenya and for the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi to only issue IH-3 visas to Kenyan children who are legally adopted in Kenya.
 
  
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*Under Kenyan law, it is illegal to publish an advertisement indicating that a parent or [[guardian]] desires to place a child for [[adoption]], that a person wishes to adopt a child, or that a person (who is not an [[adoption]] society) is willing to facilitate the [[adoption]] of a child.
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=How to Adopt=
  
  
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'''NOTE:''' U.S. citizens who have been resident in Kenya for more than three years are encouraged to visit Nairobi.usembassy.gov for more information on requirements for domestic adoptions in Kenya.
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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.
  
  
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'''NOTE:''' Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008. Read about [http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/transition.php Transition Cases].
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==Adoption Authority==
  
 +
'''[[Kenya]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
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The [[Adoption]] Committee
  
 +
P.O. Box 46205-00100
 +
Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
 +
Tel: 254-020-2228-411 ext 30040
  
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To bring an adopted child to the United States from Kenya, you must meet [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php eligibility and suitability requirements]. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.
 
  
 +
'''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.
  
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Additionally, a child must meet the [http://cfr.vlex.com/vid/204-301-definitions-286271915 definition of Convention [[adoptee]]] under U.S. law in order to immigrate to the United States on an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.
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==The Process==
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
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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.
  
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In addition to the U.S. requirements, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] need to meet Kenya’s to adopt a child from Kenya:
 
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==Residency==
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# 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]]
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# 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]]
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# Obtain a U.S. immigrant visa for your child and bring your child home
  
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After parent-child placement, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must reside in Kenya with the child for at least three months before legal procedures begin. This requirement may be waived for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are adopting direct blood relatives with whom they already have a familial relationship. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may need to remain in Kenya for up to six to nine additional months in order to meet all the legal requirements to finalize their [[adoption]]. The [[adoption]] hearing cannot occur until the three-month “homestay” ([[bonding]] period) is complete. The hearing process may take an additional six to nine months to complete.
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To learn more about this process please read [[How to Adopt from Kenya]].
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
 
  
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One of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be at least twenty-five years old, but neither parent can be older than sixty-five. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must also be at least twenty-one years older than the child they adopt.
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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==Marriage==
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
  
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Under Kenyan law, [[adoption]] orders will not be granted to joint prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] not married to each other. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must be married for at least three years prior to being placed with a child.
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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]].
  
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==Income==
 
  
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While no minimum income is required to adopt from Kenya, the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]’ homestudy report must show that they can adequately support the child they seek to adopt.
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=After Adoption=
  
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==Other==
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'''Post-[[Adoption]]/Post-Placement Reporting Requirements'''
  
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Prior Contact Prohibition: Kenyan law strictly prohibits any contact between prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and prospective adoptees prior to parent-child placement by a Kenyan [[adoption]] society. Child pre-selection is not permitted. The [[Adoption]] Committee will likely reject placements of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and children to be adopted who have had prior contact. Exceptions are made where prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are adopting a direct blood relative.  '''NOTE:''' Single foreign male prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are not permitted to adopt from Kenya.
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[[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.
  
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Single female prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can adopt from Kenya if the court is satisfied of the existence of special circumstances. One or more of the following circumstances may be considered:
 
  
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*The child is a relative;
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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.
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*The child has [[Special Needs|special needs]] and the applicant is willing and has the capacity to care for the child;
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*The applicant has adopted or has another biological child or children over whom she exercises parental responsibility;
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*The child has a sibling who is also being adopted by the applicant;
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*The proposed applicant is the only person available to adopt the child; or
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*Where the applicant is the [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]] of the child or children appointed by will or in [[adoption]] proceedings and the parents die or become permanently incapacitated.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
  
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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 example, the [[adoption]] may take place only if the competent authorities of Kenya have determined that placement of the child within Kenya has been given due consideration and that an intercountry [[adoption]] is in the child’s best interests. In addition to Kenya’s requirements, a child must meet the definition of Convention [[adoptee]] to be eligible for an immigrant visa that will allow you to bring him or her to the United States.
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''
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Any child who is resident in Kenya can be legally adopted, whether or not the child is a Kenyan citizen or was born in Kenya. However, only children who have been declared eligible for [[adoption]] may be matched with prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] for [[adoption]].
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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.
  
  
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'''NOTE:''' The child to be adopted must not be previously adopted or subject to a grant of [[custody]] (and must not have had prior contact with the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]) before processing begins.  
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'''NOTE:''' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
  
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'''ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:'''
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=Contact Information=
  
 +
'''U.S. Embassy in [[Kenya]]'''
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]]:''' When prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seek to adopt a child who has existing parents or legal guardians, consents must be obtained from:
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Consular Section
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::1. Existing parents, guardians, or anyone else contributing to the maintenance of the child under any agreement or order;
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U.S. Embassy
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::2. If applicable, parents or [[guardian]](s) of the mother of the child in a case where the mother is a minor;
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P.O. Box 606
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::3. If applicable, the step-father who has acquired parental responsibility; and
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Village Market
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::4. The spouse of the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]], if the spouse is not available in person. A children's court must commit a relinquished child to a children's home before he/she becomes eligible to be adopted.
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00621 Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
 +
Tel: +254 (0)20 363-6622
 +
Fax: +254 (0)20 363-6410
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Email: NairobiAdoptions@State.gov
 +
Internet: [http://Nairobi.USEmbassy.gov U.S. Embassy]
  
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'''[[Abandonment]]:''' A children’s court must commit an abandoned child to a children’s home before he/she becomes eligible to be adopted.
 
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child:''' Only children who are at least two years old are eligible for intercountry [[adoption]]. '''NOTE:''' If the child being adopted is age 14 or older, he/she must consent to the proposed intercountry [[adoption]].
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'''[[Kenya]]’s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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'''Sibling Adoptions:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may adopt siblings in Kenya.
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The [[Adoption]] Committee
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P.O. Box 46205-00100
 +
Nairobi, [[Kenya]]
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Tel: +254 (0)20 222-8411 ext 30040
  
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'''[[Special Needs]] or Medical Conditions:''' Unknown.
 
  
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'''Waiting Period or [[Foster Care]]:''' A children's court commits an abandoned or relinquished child to a children's home. After six months, if no relatives can be located and no one has come forward to claim the child, a licensed Kenyan [[adoption]] society will have the child entered into the registry of children to be adopted.
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'''Embassy of [[Kenya]]'''
  
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'''NOTE:''' Children available for fostering in Kenya are generally in temporary need of care, and are usually not declared eligible for [[adoption]]. Foreigners are only allowed to foster in Kenya if they have been residents for at least one year and are generally not permitted to travel outside of the country with the fostered child. In the past, U.S. citizens have grown attached to children they foster in Kenya and have been unable to take them to the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi strongly advises U.S. citizens living in Kenya against fostering children if their underlying intention is to adopt them.
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Embassy of the Republic of [[Kenya]]
 +
2249 R Street, N.W.
 +
[[Washington]], D.C. 20008
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Tel: (202) 387-6101
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Fax: (202) 462-3829
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Internet: [http://kenyaembassy.com Embassy of Kenya]
  
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=How to Adopt=
 
  
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[[Kenya]] also has consulates in: Los Angeles and [[New York]] City
  
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==    Adoption Authority==
 
  
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==The Process==
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'''Office of Children’s Issues'''
  
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=Traveling Abroad=
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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]
  
  
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=After Adoption=
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'''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==
  
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'''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