Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore has introduced new guidelines for the adoption of children in Kenya, as outlined in the Draft Children (Adoption) Regulations, 2024.

Key Points of the New Regulations:

• Adoption Fees: The processing fee for local adoptions is set at Ksh30,000, and adoption certificates will be issued at Ksh500. Applications for adoption will be offered free of charge.

• Marriage Duration Requirement: Couples applying jointly for adoption must have been married for more than three years. This measure aims to ensure stability and commitment in the adopting family.

• Police Clearance: Applicants must provide police clearance certificates obtained within six months prior to the application date.

• Counseling Requirement: Prospective adoptive parents will undergo mandatory counseling before being cleared for the adoption process. This is to prepare them for the responsibilities and potential challenges of adoption.

• Suitability Test: The new regulations include a mechanism for placing the child in the adoptive home temporarily to assess suitability and ensure a good match.

Rights and Protections for Adopted Children:

The regulations emphasize the protection and well-being of adopted children, ensuring they have inheritance rights and recognizing their right to know about their adoption and origins as soon as they are capable of understanding.

The guidelines highlight that adoptive parents must provide a secure and caring environment, especially considering that many adopted children may have experienced trauma.

Detailed Application Process:

1. Application Form: Prospective adoptive parents must fill out an adoption application form, including a police clearance certificate and the specified fee.

2. Supporting Documents: Additional necessary documents as required by the adoption society must be attached.

3. Child Case Record: Upon receiving an application, the adoption society prepares a child case record.

4. Counseling Referral: Applicants are referred for counseling by a qualified professional.

5. Home Assessment: The adoption society conducts a home assessment to evaluate the suitability of the adoptive environment.

6. Pre-Placement Counseling: Approved applicants undergo pre-placement counseling to prepare for the adoption process.

These regulations aim to ensure the welfare of children while providing clear guidelines and requirements for prospective adoptive parents.