⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in Kenya
In Kenya you can make a will with an advocate, through a trust company, with an online will service or from a template. This guide compares the routes and the questions worth asking before you choose one.
Four routes to writing your will
The Law of Succession Act sets the same formal rules for a written will whichever route you choose. The routes differ mainly in cost and the advice included.
An advocate
An advocate can draft a tailored will and advise on land, businesses, provision for dependants and assets overseas. This route suits larger or complicated estates and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A trust company
Trust companies prepare wills, often alongside acting as executor, and many store the will for you. Check who drafts the will and what fees apply later when the estate is administered.
Mid cost · Executor and storage services
An online will service
An online will service asks structured questions and produces a will you print, sign and have witnessed. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs less than an advocate.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A template or will kit
A blank template or kit is the cheapest route but offers no prompts or checks. A will that leaves out a dependant may later be varied by the court, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an advocate to make a will in Kenya?
No. A will can be valid in Kenya whichever route you use. Under the Law of Succession Act a written will is signed by you and attested by two or more competent witnesses. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional.
Can my family challenge my will in Kenya?
A dependant who is not reasonably provided for can ask the court to make provision for them from the estate, whatever the will says. Thinking about dependants when you write the will helps avoid that.
Is an online will valid in Kenya?
A will made with an online will service can be just as valid as one drafted by an advocate, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed correctly. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice.
Where should I keep my will in Kenya?
The Law of Succession Act allows a will to be deposited, sealed, with the court registry for safekeeping. An advocate or trust company may also store it for you.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
Discuss This in the Community
Have questions about this topic? Join the discussion in our community forum. Get answers from verified professionals and other members.