Adopting a child in Kenya is a comprehensive process designed to ensure the child's best interests, involving extensive background checks, home visits, and court hearings that can take months or even years. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria and the step-by-step procedure for prospective parents.

• Eligibility Age: Most applicants must be between 25 and 65 years old; for couples, one partner must be at least 25 and the other at least 21.
• Key Restriction: A sole male applicant cannot adopt a female child, and a sole female applicant cannot adopt a male child, with exceptions for relatives.
• Process Steps: Begin by applying to a Licensed Adoption Society, followed by the child being declared free for adoption, a 3-month bonding period, and then filing a legal petition in the Children's Court.
• Child Criteria: The adopted child must be between six weeks and 18 years old, and declared free for adoption by a registered society.
• Legal Representation: The court appoints a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s interests during proceedings.