Apply for or replace a Kenyan national ID while living abroad
Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs / Directorate of Immigration Services consular services · sources read 1 Oct 2026
Book an appointment at the Kenyan embassy or high commission that serves your country, fill in Form Reg. 136A and go in person for fingerprints and a photo. For a lost ID you also need a police report and a notarised affidavit.
- Fee
- At the Kenyan embassy in Berlin it's EUR 50, by card or bank transfer (no cash). Ask your own embassy or high commission for its fee.
- Where
- In person, by appointment, at the Kenyan embassy, high commission or consulate that serves your country
What you need
- First ID: Form Reg. 136A, your Kenyan birth certificate, a copy of your passport bio-data page and copies of your parents' IDs
- Lost or damaged ID: Form Reg. 136A, a police report from the country where you lost it and a notarised affidavit explaining the loss
- Change of details: Form Reg. 136A, your original ID, and a marriage certificate or a deed poll with its Kenya Gazette notice
- Two passport-size photos on a white background and a self-addressed registered envelope
- Proof of your status in the country you live in (e.g. residence permit), and for dual citizens proof you declared or regained Kenyan citizenship
Steps
- Find the Kenyan embassy, high commission or consulate that serves your country. Immigration officers there process Kenyan ID cards.
- Book an appointment with the mission. ID applications are by appointment only.
- Fill in Form Reg. 136A before you go and gather the documents for your case (first ID, lost ID or change of details).
- Go in person on the day so the mission can take your fingerprints and photo.
- Your ID is sent back by post in the self-addressed envelope you left with the mission.
Watch out
- Each mission sets its own fee and payment rules. Berlin, for example, charges €50 by card or bank transfer and does not take cash. Check your mission's page first.
- If you still hold the old, big first-generation ID, you apply as a first-time applicant.
- Any document not in English must be translated and certified first.
Who can apply
- Kenyan citizens living abroad who need a first ID, a replacement for a lost or damaged ID, or a change of details.
Official sources (4)
- Consular Services immigration.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Consular Services - Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, Berlin berlin.mfa.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- Kenyan National ID - Kenya High Commission, London kenyahighcom.org.uk · read 1 Oct 2026
- Diplomatic Missions mfa.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026