A deed poll is a legal document made by one party, which binds only that person or several people who are acting jointly to express an intention. It is not a contract since it binds only one party and expresses an intention instead of making a promise.

A person can use this document to change any part of a name, for instance, change surnames, and change the spelling of his name, punctuation, part or his entire name.

Laws Governing Deed Polls

The laws governing deed polls in Kenya are, the Registration of Documents Act, and The Registration of Documents (Change of Name) Regulations. A deed poll is registered under the Registration of Documents Act and later advertised in the Kenyan Gazette.