Losing a loved one is painful enough without the added stress of navigating financial bureaucracy. Yet thousands of Kenyans leave behind unclaimed bank deposits, shares, insurance benefits, and pension funds that families never access simply because they do not know where to start.
The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) holds these assets and provides a clear process for beneficiaries to claim them.
This guide walks you through exactly how to claim assets of a deceased person in Kenya, covering every document, form, and step you need to succeed.
How to Claim Assets of a Deceased Person in Kenya Using the UFAA Beneficiary Process
Before diving into the process, you need to understand what qualifies as an unclaimed financial asset. The Unclaimed Financial Assets Act No. 40 of 2011 defines these as funds or properties abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners over a specified period. Assets are considered unclaimed when no transactions, claims, or instructions have been made on them.
Examples of unclaimed financial assets include:
- Dormant bank accounts and unclaimed deposits
- Unclaimed dividends and interest from stocks and shares
- Unclaimed retirement benefits in pension funds
- Unclaimed death benefits and annuities from insurance companies
- Unclaimed utility deposits and benefits from collapsed institutions
As a family member or legally appointed administrator claiming on behalf of a deceased person, UFAA classifies you as a Beneficiary Claimant. You must submit your claim using Form 4B and meet all supporting document requirements before UFAA processes your application.
Here is a summary of the full process at a glance:
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Search for unclaimed assets on UFAA database | Immediate |
| Step 2 | Download and complete Form 4B, Form 5, and Payment Details Form | Before submission |
| Step 3 | Gather all supporting documents | Before submission |
| Step 4 | Submit claim at UFAA offices in Westlands, Nairobi | Upon readiness |
| Decision notification | UFAA notifies claimant of decision | Within 60 days |
| No objection notice | UFAA publishes 30-day notice before releasing payment | After approval |
| Total processing time | Full process completion | Up to 90 days |
Documents You Must Gather Before Filing Your Beneficiary Claim
Getting your documents right before submission is the most critical part of the process. Missing or incorrect paperwork delays your claim significantly. Here is every document you need to submit a valid Form 4B beneficiary claim:
- Completed Form 4B (Beneficiary Claim Form) — fully filled and commissioned by a lawyer
- Completed Form 5 (Indemnity Agreement) — fully filled and commissioned by a lawyer
- Payment Details Form — filled with your bank account or M-Pesa details
- Original remittance letter from the asset holder (bank, insurer, etc.) confirming the asset was sent to UFAA
- Certified copy of your National ID or passport
- Copy of your KRA PIN Certificate
- Copy of the deceased’s death certificate
- Certificate of Confirmation of Grant from the High Court of Kenya, or a Certificate of Summary Administration from the Public Trustee or Deputy County Commissioner
- Original affidavit — required only if names differ across your National ID, KRA PIN, or holder documents
- Bank or M-Pesa statement of an active account clearly showing your account name and number
If there is more than one claimant, you must also provide either a joint bank account statement or a letter of no objection from one claimant nominating the other to receive payment.
If claiming through the Public Trustee or Deputy County Commissioner, they must sign all forms and attach a letter of no objection from the beneficiaries.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim at UFAA
Follow these steps in order to file your beneficiary claim without delays or errors.
Step 1 — Search for the Assets Visit www.ufaa.go.ke and use the online search tool with the deceased’s ID number or name. You can also dial *361# on your phone to search the UFAA database quickly.
Step 2—Download and Complete the Required Forms Download Form 4B, Form 5, and the Payment Details Form from www.ufaa.go.ke or collect them from UFAA’s offices. A Commissioner of Oaths must witness all forms as required.
Step 3 — Gather All Supporting Documents Compile every document listed above. Double-check that names match across all documents to avoid the need for an affidavit or unnecessary delays.
Step 4 — Submit Your Claim Deliver your completed forms and documents to UFAA offices at Pacis Centre, 2nd Floor, Slip Road, off Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi. A receiving officer will verify completeness and register your application.
UFAA will notify you of their decision within 60 days via email or phone call. Once approved, they publish a 30-day no objection notice before releasing your payment. The entire process takes up to 90 days from submission.
UFAA Contacts:
- Phone: 020 4023000 | 0706 866984 | 0736 559152
- Email: [email protected]
