Diplomatic corps
Protocol & accreditation
Accreditation, privileges, immunities and diplomatic IDs for the corps based in Kenya.
Service standard: Subject to Protocol Directorate timelinesLast updated: April 2026Available in: EN
Who this is for
Diplomatic and consular missions, international organisations and accredited staff based in Kenya who need accreditation, diplomatic IDs, or the recognition of privileges and immunities.
The Protocol Directorate handles the presentation of credentials, accreditation of personnel, and facilitation requests for the diplomatic corps.
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Accredited diplomatic and consular missions and international organisations in Kenya, through their head of mission or administrative officer.
- What to bring
- A formal note verbale, the officer's passport and photos, the appointment or posting documents, and any prior accreditation records.
- Cost
- Credentials and supporting documents are required. Most protocol services are provided on a reciprocal basis.
- How long it takes
- By appointment and subject to Protocol Directorate processing for each category.
- Where
- At the Protocol Directorate of the State Department for Foreign Affairs, by appointment.
What happens after you apply
The step most sites skip - so you know what to expect and don't need to call.
- Submit a note verbale with the officer's details and supporting documents.
- The Protocol Directorate reviews the request and credentials.
- Accreditation is processed and a diplomatic ID issued where applicable.
- Privileges, immunities and facilitation are confirmed to the mission.
If something goes wrong, or you need help
If you are detained, hospitalised, or in immediate danger, do not wait for the form - call the consular emergency line. For questions about an application already submitted, contact the mission directly.
One template, every missionThis page runs on a single service spine - who it's for, what to bring, cost, time, where, what happens next. Nairobi and all 60+ missions fill the same fields with their local facts (fee, address, hours, emergency number). Fix the spine once and every mission improves; only the local data changes.