Adoption in Kenya is a legal and often complex process designed to ensure the best interests of the child. The steps for adoption in Kenya involve the following:
i. Eligibility Assessment: Adoptive parents must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Kenyan government
ii. Choose an Adoption Agency: Prospective adoptive parents should select a reputable adoption agency. This agency will help facilitate the adoption process and provide guidance.
iii. Attend Adoption Orientation: Prospective parents are required to attend an orientation or information session to learn more about the adoption process, legal requirements and what to expect.
iv. Application and Documentation: Adoptive parents need to provide various documents which may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates and financial statements.
v. Home Study: A social worker from the adoption agency will conduct a home study to ensure that you are prepared to provide a stable and loving environment for the child.
vi. Matching: This process is based on factors like the child's age, gender and your preferences
vii. Court Petition: Once a match is made, a court petition will be filed to initiate the legal adoption process.
viii: Consent of Biological Parents: The consent of the child's biological parents or guardians is required for the adoption to proceed. If the biological parents cannot be located or refuse consent, the court may proceed based on the child's best interests.
ix Court Hearing: Attend the court hearing where a judge will review the adoption petition and all relevant documents
x Post-Adoption Requirements: This may include periodic visits from a social worker to ensure the child's well-being.
xi Obtain New Birth Certificate: A new birth certificate will be issued with your names as the child's parents.
xii: Immigration and Travel: If you are not a Kenyan citizen, you will need to complete the necessary immigration and visa requirements for the child to enter your home country.

Adoption process in Kenya is the process through which a child is permanently placed with a legal parent(s) thereby vesting the parental rights and responsibilities relating to a child to the adopter. The applicable law for adoption is the constitution of Kenya 2010 and the children's Act 2022.The steps for adopting a child in Kenya is as follows:
STEP I. Visit a registered adoption society after the applicant(adopter) has met the demands of the prerequisite. STEP II. Orientation meeting. -The adopter makes enquiries whereby the following is discussed; prerequisites for adoption, procedure, Recommended Advocates, Home visit, Guardian to be appointed, Reference required, Application forms and costs involved. Adopting parent(s) are then given the application forms to fill and submit together the required documents.
STEP III. Home visit to determine eligibility-The adoption society will then look into the whereabouts of the adopter(s) to determine whether the needs of the child will be met.
STEP IV. Medical check-up -Must be done by a doctor and a HIV test is carried out as part of the medical examination.
STEP V. Foster period - The adopting parent stays with the child for a period of three months. The social workers will regularly drop by to check on the relationship between the parents and the child and how the child is adjusting to the new environment.
STAGE VI. Court phase - The children's court then finalises on all the adoption matters whereby a petition is filed to initiate the legal adoption process.