Funeral repatriation route guide
Repatriation from Australia to Kenya
For families bringing someone home to Kenya. Send the details any time and we will take it from there.
Key facts
Repatriation from Australia to Kenya: what to expect
Australian nationals in Kenya include development workers, researchers, and tourists visiting Kenyan national parks and coastal areas. Australia and Kenya maintain bilateral diplomatic relations within Commonwealth frameworks. Australian death certificates (in English) require authentication by the Kenyan High Commission in Canberra. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025.)
- Key document: death certificate (in English)
- Documentation takes 5-10 days. Appoint a specialist on day one.
- Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly.
- Kenya Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation. They cannot fund repatriation.
The process
What happens after a death in Australia
Call 000 for emergency services. Death is certified by a registered medical practitioner. The death is registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. The coroner takes jurisdiction for sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths. Australia is a Hague Apostille Convention member. The registration process is straightforward; the coroner's release is the main cause of delay in complex cases.
Step by step
Timeline: Australia to Kenya
Immediate steps after death
Day of death. Call 000 (police, fire, ambulance) for local emergency services, and contact the embassy or consulate of the person's own country.
Family or travel insurer
Death registered. Death certificate obtained.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may delay this step.
Local funeral director and registry
Kenya Embassy in Canberra notified
Simultaneous with Step 1. Embassy provides a list of local funeral directors.
Family or repatriation specialist
Embalming and preparation.
After body released by authorities.
Licensed local funeral director
All export documentation and permits obtained.
Allow 5-10 days. Cannot begin until death certificate issued.
Local funeral director and authorities
Air cargo to Kenya
Once all documentation complete.
Repatriation specialist and airline cargo
Kenya funeral director takes custody. Receiving funeral director coordinates with local authorities.
Within 24 hours of arrival.
Receiving funeral director
In Kenya
When the body arrives in Kenya
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) under the Registrar General handles death registration. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required for international air transport. English is Kenya's official language, which simplifies documentation from English-speaking origin countries. (Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs, 2025.)
Consular support
Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in Canberra can advise on documentation requirements for repatriation to Kenya. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. The High Commission cannot pay for or arrange repatriation.
Related guides
More repatriation guidance
Common questions
FAQs: repatriation from Australia to Kenya
In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Kenya takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases can take 4-8 weeks or longer.
Death must be registered with the state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) registry promptly. Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may add time before the body can be released.
The core documents are: death certificate with certified translation where required, embalming certificate, export permit, freedom from infection certificate, and passport of the deceased. Your repatriation coordinator handles obtaining these on your behalf.
The Kenya Embassy in Canberra can assist with document authentication and advise on repatriation requirements. They cannot pay for or arrange repatriation. Contact the Kenya Embassy in Canberra as soon as possible after the death.
Sudden, violent, or unexplained deaths (coroner takes jurisdiction) may trigger a post-mortem examination. This adds time: the body cannot be released until the authorities authorise it.
The Kenyan funeral director takes custody at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) cargo terminal. The Civil Registration Department (CRD) registers the death. Ministry of Health clearance is required before final disposition. Kenya is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign documents require full consular legalisation through the Kenyan High Commission or Embassy in the country of origin. An embalming certificate and hermetically sealed coffin are required.
Cremation in Australia is widely available in all states and territories. You will need the local death certificate, cremation certificate, and relevant export documentation. Your repatriation specialist can advise on the current position.
We are here to help. Send us the details, any time
If your loved one has died in Australia, please do not face this alone. Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote for bringing them home to Kenya.
Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from official government and embassy guidance and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: Official guidance on a death in Australia (gov.uk) · Australia repatriation guide · Frequently asked questions