Carolina Adoptions: Kenya Update (no CA)

September 2010

We are unable to accept any new applications from US citizens who do not currently reside in Kenya, as the US and Kenya continue to disagree over the implementation of the Hague Treaty. As of yet, the Kenyan government does not have a Central Authority in place to process adoptions, as is required by the treaty. Until an authority is named, no adoptions can be approved under Hague regulations.

For US citizens and families living in Kenya with no immediate plans to return to the US, adoption may be possible as they could qualify as Kenyan residents. Those families would then be able to proceed with an independent adoption and subsequent alternate visa for their child, after living in Kenya for a minimum of 2 years after the adoption is completed in the Kenyan court system. Kenyan citizens who reside in the US may also be allowed to apply. If either of these exceptions apply and you are interested in pursuing an adoption from Kenya, please email Mary Beth King.