This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
David Kariuki's commitment to his stepchild is commendable, but changing the child's name to his own will require more than just good intentions.
According to the Registration of Documents or Change of Names Regulations, David can apply to change the child's name, but he must first obtain consent from all parties involved, including the biological father and the child.
David's wife's opinion is also crucial in this matter, and he should consider her views when making this decision.
Should the parties fail to reach an agreement, a court battle may be inevitable.
However, the law does provide a clear process for changing a child's name, which involves completing a deed poll and publishing the change in the Kenya Gazette.
David's case highlights the importance of effective parenting and good parent-child relationships, but it also underscores the need for careful consideration and adherence to the law when making significant decisions about a child's identity.
