Affidavit of Support (Kenya)
IN THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
I, [Sponsor Name], holder of National Identity Card No. [Sponsor NIC Number], of occupation [Sponsor Occupation], employed by / operating as [Sponsor Employer], residing at [Sponsor Address], do hereby make oath and state as follows:
1. THAT I am a Kenyan citizen / lawful resident of Kenya and am competent to swear this affidavit.
2. THAT I am the [Relationship To Sponsor] of [Beneficiary Name], born on [Beneficiary Date Of Birth], a national of [Beneficiary Nationality], holder of passport / NIC No. [Beneficiary Passport Or NIC].
3. THAT I undertake to provide financial support to [Beneficiary Name] for the following purpose: [Purpose Of Support].
4. THAT the support I undertake to provide includes: [Support Description].
5. THAT this support will be provided from [Support Start Date] to [Support End Date].
6. THAT my monthly income is approximately [Sponsor Monthly Income] and I have sufficient financial capacity to provide the stated support without hardship.
7. THAT I am making this affidavit in good faith and the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
SWORN at [Swearing Location] in the Republic of Kenya
on the [Swearing Date]
DEPONENT / SPONSOR: _________________________
Name: [Sponsor Name]
BEFORE ME:
_________________________
COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS
Admission No: _______________
[OFFICIAL STAMP]
Sponsor / Deponent
________________
Signature
Commissioner for Oaths
________________
Signature
What Is a Affidavit of Support (Kenya)?
An Affidavit of Support in Kenya confirms specified facts through a signed declaration sworn before a commissioner for oaths or notary.
The Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act (Cap. 15) provides the statutory framework for sworn declarations in Kenya. A Commissioner for Oaths is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya appointed by the Chief Justice, who must verify the deponent's identity, administer the oath or affirmation, and affix their official stamp and signature to the jurat of the affidavit. Without a properly stamped Commissioner for Oaths attestation, an Affidavit of Support is inadmissible as sworn evidence in Kenyan courts and typically rejected by government authorities.
For immigration purposes in Kenya, the Department of Immigration Services under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011 requires Affidavits of Support from Kenyan citizens or residents who sponsor foreign nationals applying for visitor visas, student passes, or dependent passes. The affidavit must confirm the sponsor's Kenyan nationality or lawful residency, their relationship to the applicant, their financial capacity to support the applicant during their stay, and their undertaking to meet the applicant's expenses and repatriation costs if required.
In child maintenance proceedings before the Children Court or the High Court of Kenya (Family Division) under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022, an Affidavit of Support from a parent or guardian may be required to demonstrate their financial capacity to meet a proposed maintenance order. Section 90 of the Children Act No. 29 of 2022 empowers courts to make maintenance orders for children, and the court uses the financial information in the Affidavit of Support to calibrate the appropriate maintenance amount.
For school and university enrolment, private schools in Kenya operating under the Basic Education Act No. 14 of 2013 and universities regulated by the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 may require an Affidavit of Support from a student's sponsor — a parent, relative, employer, or scholarship donor — confirming that the sponsor will meet all tuition, accommodation, and living costs for the duration of the academic programme. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and individual institutions have specific requirements for international students.
An Affidavit of Support is distinct from a Child Support Agreement under Section 90 of the Children Act No. 29 of 2022 — the latter is a binding contractual agreement specifying the amount and schedule of maintenance payments, enforceable as a court order. An Affidavit of Support is a sworn declaration rather than a binding promise and is typically used to satisfy institutional requirements rather than to create direct enforceable financial obligations.
When Do You Need a Affidavit of Support (Kenya)?
An Affidavit of Support in Kenya is required in a number of immigration, educational, financial, and legal contexts where an institution needs sworn proof that a named person will receive financial backing.
An Affidavit of Support is needed when a Kenyan citizen or lawful resident sponsors a foreign national applying for a visitor visa, business visa, or entry permit to Kenya. The Department of Immigration Services under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011 requires the sponsor to provide a sworn affidavit confirming the purpose of the visit, the duration, the accommodation arrangements, and the sponsor's financial capacity to cover the visitor's expenses.
An Affidavit of Support is required when a Kenyan parent, guardian, or employer sponsors a student applying for a student pass or study permit to attend a Kenyan educational institution. The Department of Immigration and universities regulated by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) require sworn financial support declarations from sponsors of international or non-resident students.
An Affidavit of Support is needed in proceedings under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022 before the Children Court or High Court (Family Division), where the court requires a parent or guardian to demonstrate financial capacity to support a child maintenance arrangement or to confirm support for a child travelling abroad for medical treatment or education.
An Affidavit of Support is required when a dependent relative — a spouse, elderly parent, or sibling — applies for a dependent pass under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011, and the Kenyan sponsor must confirm their income, assets, and commitment to support the dependent during their stay in Kenya.
An Affidavit of Support is needed when a Kenyan student or researcher applies for a foreign scholarship, study abroad programme, or international exchange, and the receiving institution requires evidence of the sponsor's financial backing. Foreign universities and scholarship bodies in the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Australia often require an apostille-authenticated Affidavit of Support as part of the application package.
An Affidavit of Support is required when a patient at a Kenyan hospital regulated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council lacks the immediate means to pay for medical treatment, and a relative or employer undertakes financial responsibility for the patient's medical bills. Hospitals may require a Commissioner for Oaths-witnessed affidavit for substantial medical liabilities.
What to Include in Your Affidavit of Support (Kenya)
A Kenya Affidavit of Support under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act (Cap. 15) must contain the following essential elements to be valid and accepted by Kenyan and international authorities.
Caption and Jurisdiction: "IN THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA" and "AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT" as the heading, with the case or file reference number if filed in court proceedings.
Sponsor's Identity and Capacity: Full legal name, National Identity Card (NIC) number (for Kenyan citizens) or Alien Card number (for non-citizens), residential address, occupation, employer name, and the sponsor's relationship to the beneficiary. The Commissioner for Oaths must sight the sponsor's original NIC or passport before administering the oath. For immigration-related affidavits, the sponsor's nationality and immigration status in Kenya must be stated.
Beneficiary's Identity: Full legal name, date of birth, nationality, NIC or passport number, and relationship to the sponsor of the person being supported. For child support affidavits under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022, the child's full name and date of birth are essential.
Purpose of Support: A precise statement of the purpose for which support is being provided — immigration visit, student enrolment, medical treatment, legal proceedings, or other specified purpose. Generic affidavits without a stated purpose may be rejected by immigration authorities or courts.
Financial Capacity Declaration: The sponsor's sworn declaration of their financial capacity to provide the stated support — including their monthly income, employment status (whether employed, self-employed, or operating a registered business via BRS), and confirmation that they have sufficient funds to cover the beneficiary's expenses. For immigration affidavits, Kenyan bank statements, employment letters, or KRA tax compliance certificates may be required as supporting documents alongside the affidavit.
Duration and Scope of Support: The period during which support is being committed — from the specified start date to the end of the visit, academic year, or court proceedings. Open-ended support commitments without a defined end date may create unintended long-term obligations.
Undertaking and Indemnity: The sponsor's sworn undertaking to meet the beneficiary's financial needs as specified, and where relevant (for immigration purposes) to meet repatriation or deportation costs if the beneficiary overstays their visa or permit under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011.
Commissioner for Oaths Attestation: A correctly formatted jurat recording the deponent's name, the date and place of swearing (town and county), and the Commissioner for Oaths' signature, admission number, and official rubber stamp. The forms-legal.com Affidavit of Support template includes a compliant jurat and supports apostille authentication for international use under Kenya's Hague Apostille Convention accession in 2021. Under Kenya law, Section 3 of the Companies Act 2015 (No. 17 of 2015) and Section 25 of the Data Protection Act 2019 (No. 24 of 2019) govern the core requirements for this type of document. Under Kenya law, Section 15 of the Employment Act 2007 (No. 11 of 2007) and Section 10 of the Law of Contract Act (Cap 23) govern the core requirements for this type of document.
Additional compliance elements for a Affidavit of Support (Kenya) used in Kenya include: Under Kenyan law, the Data Protection Act No. 24 of 2019 and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) govern personal data processing. The Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act (Cap. 15) governs sworn documents. Section 4 of the Marriage Act No. 4 of 2014 recognises five forms of marriage in Kenya. The Children Act No. 8 of 2001 governs child welfare. The High Court Family Division and Kadhi Courts handle family disputes. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Kenya-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Affidavit of Support (Kenya) (Kenya) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/kenya/personal/legal-declarations/affidavit-of-support-kenya
"Affidavit of Support (Kenya) (Kenya)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/kenya/personal/legal-declarations/affidavit-of-support-kenya.
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howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/kenya/personal/legal-declarations/affidavit-of-support-kenya}},
note = {Free legal document template}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Any adult person of full legal capacity — a Kenyan citizen, a permanent resident, or a person lawfully present in Kenya — may sponsor an Affidavit of Support, provided they have the financial means to support the beneficiary as declared. For immigration-related affidavits under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011, the sponsor should ideally be a Kenyan citizen or permanent resident with a verifiable income — employment income, business income from a BRS-registered business, or investment income subject to tax under the Income Tax Act (Cap. 470). The Department of Immigration Services may request the sponsor's employment letter, the last 3 months of Kenya Shilling bank statements, a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority under the Tax Procedures Act No. 29 of 2015), or a KRA PIN certificate to verify the sponsor's financial capacity. Companies registered under the Companies Act No. 17 of 2015 and NGOs registered under the NGO Co-ordination Act (Cap. 134) may also act as sponsors, in which case the affidavit is sworn by an authorised director or officer and supported by the company's BRS Registration Certificate and financial statements.
An Affidavit of Support sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths in Kenya is valid for domestic use but requires apostille authentication for use in foreign countries. Kenya acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention in 2021, and apostilles are issued by the Registrar of the High Court in Nairobi. An apostille authenticates the signature and seal of the Commissioner for Oaths, making the document acceptable in all Hague Convention member states — including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Australia, Canada, and most other countries — without further legalisation by an embassy or consulate. The fee for an apostille in Kenya is approximately KES 500 to KES 1,000 per document. For countries that are not Hague Convention members, the affidavit must go through consular legalisation: first authenticated by the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Nairobi. If the Affidavit of Support is required for a university application or scholarship in a foreign country, the receiving institution's specific requirements for authentication should be checked before swearing the affidavit, as some institutions require additional certification by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority or other bodies.
An Affidavit of Support is a sworn declaration of intent and financial capacity — it is not a binding contractual obligation in the same way as a signed agreement under the Law of Contract Act (Cap. 23). However, deliberately making a false declaration in a sworn affidavit is an offence under the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act (Cap. 15) and may also constitute perjury under the Penal Code (Cap. 63) if the affidavit is tendered in court proceedings. For immigration purposes, a sponsor who provides an Affidavit of Support to the Department of Immigration Services but then withdraws support from the beneficiary after the visa is granted does not automatically commit an offence — the sponsor has no statutory obligation to continue financial support under Kenyan immigration law — but the Department may refuse future sponsorship applications from that person. In court proceedings under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022, if a parent's Affidavit of Support is before the court and they subsequently fail to comply with the court's maintenance order based on the financial information in the affidavit, the court may treat this as a contempt of court. For the most binding financial support arrangements, a Child Support Agreement under Section 90 of the Children Act or a formal Deed of Undertaking is more appropriate than a bare affidavit.
The financial supporting documents required alongside an Affidavit of Support in Kenya depend on the purpose and the receiving institution. For immigration applications to the Department of Immigration Services under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act No. 12 of 2011, the standard supporting documents are: the sponsor's original National Identity Card (NIC) or passport; the last 3 months of Kenya Shilling bank statements from a Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)-regulated bank showing sufficient balance; an employment letter on the employer's letterhead confirming the sponsor's position and monthly salary; or, for self-employed sponsors, a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate and business bank statements. For university or school enrolment sponsorship, institutions typically require a bank statement and employment letter but do not always require a tax compliance certificate. For court maintenance proceedings under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022, the court may request payslips for the last 3 months, the sponsor's most recent KRA PIN certificate, and bank statements. For hospital financial undertakings, the hospital's own form typically sets out required supporting documents. All financial documents submitted alongside an Affidavit of Support should be original or certified true copies — photocopies without certification are generally not accepted by Kenyan government offices or courts.
An Affidavit of Support sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths in Kenya does not expire in a strictly legal sense — as a sworn statement of facts at a particular date, it remains a valid record of what was declared. However, in practice, the usability of an Affidavit of Support is limited by its age relative to the application or proceeding for which it is needed. The Department of Immigration Services in Kenya generally requires Affidavits of Support to have been sworn within the previous 3 to 6 months of the visa or permit application. Courts hearing maintenance proceedings under the Children Act No. 29 of 2022 expect financial affidavits to reflect current — not historical — income and assets, and an affidavit sworn more than 3 months before the hearing may be challenged as outdated. Foreign universities and scholarship bodies typically require supporting documents including the affidavit to be no older than 3 to 6 months from the date of the application deadline. The accompanying financial documents — bank statements, employment letter, KRA Tax Compliance Certificate — usually have their own validity periods (3 months for bank statements, 12 months for KRA compliance certificates) and the affidavit should be sworn and submitted at the same time as the supporting documents for consistency.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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