DNA testing is the most precise (99.99% accurate) and sophisticated technology for determining parentage.
In most cases, DNA tests in Kenya are associated with legal proceedings. However, it can also be a personal choice.
Please keep the following points in mind before taking a DNA test:
- Consider whether you truly want to discover the truth.
- Learn about what it entails.
- Understand what Kenyan law says about DNA testing (if it’s a legal process).
- Be aware that there will be emotional consequences.
- Prepare to have your privacy violated.
That being said, another important factor to consider before taking a DNA test is the cost.
So, how much does a DNA test cost in Kenya?
Well, this article will guide you on everything you need to know about the DNA test cost in Kenya.
Let’s get started…
Requirements For Dna Test In Kenya
If you’re looking to have a DNA test done in Kenya, there are a few requirements you should know about. Here are the most important ones:
- Consent: All parties involved in the DNA test must give their informed consent to participate in the test. This includes the person whose DNA is being tested, as well as any other individuals whose DNA will be used as a reference sample (such as parents or siblings).
- Identification: All parties must provide valid identification documents such as a passport, national ID, or driver’s license to confirm their identity.
- Sample Collection: A sample of DNA must be collected from each participant using a swab or blood test. This must be done by a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, in a sterile environment.
- Payment: DNA testing can be expensive, and you’ll need to pay the laboratory that performs the test. Prices can vary depending on the type of test you need and the laboratory you choose.
- Purpose of the Test: You’ll need to specify the reason for the DNA test, whether it’s for legal purposes (such as a court case) or personal reasons (such as establishing paternity).
It’s important to note that the requirements for DNA testing may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the laboratory you choose. You should contact a reputable DNA testing laboratory in Kenya to get more information on their specific requirements and procedures.
How much does a DNA test cost in Kenya?
There were mixed reactions recently when it was announced that the Kenyan market had allowed DNA paternity testing kits for only Kshs. 800 that could be used at home.
Most Kenyans, however, were unaware that the DNA home test kits are only used to collect samples and that the results cannot be processed at home but must be processed at licensed laboratories.
So, this raises the question; how much does a DNA test cost in Kenya?
In Kenya, the average DNA test costs between Kshs. 20,000 and Kshs. 30,000 (for both the child and the alleged father), whereas at private hospitals, the test is usually more expensive and the pay can be as much as double the cost.
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It should be noted that any other parties interested in the DNA test will be charged additional fees. This is, however, affected by several factors, including the hospital where you take the DNA test, with private hospitals being significantly more expensive than public hospitals.
How is DNA done?
A standard paternity test requires only DNA samples from the mother, child, and the child’s alleged father. However, if maternity is not in doubt, the results can still be conclusive without the mother’s participation (but her participation is recommended).
Saliva, blood, or buccal or oral swabs are used in DNA testing, and if the test is performed without the father’s consent, plucked hairs or fingernails will play a significant role.
The good news is that the process of conducting a DNA test is extremely simple and convenient for everyone, and it consists of the following steps:
- Participants can go to the lab and have their samples taken there; no appointment is necessary.
- Contact a DNA lab, schedule an appointment, and have them send qualified personnel to your location to collect your samples.
- You can collect your own DNA samples at home (using a DNA home test kit), then deliver the samples to your preferred DNA lab.
- If the DNA test is required for legal reasons, the participants must go physically to a registered laboratory for sample collection. Furthermore, in order for the DNA test result to be accepted by a court, the DNA samples must be supervised by an approved, disinterested third party. The presence of a third party is required to confirm the uniqueness of the DNA donors and to ensure that the chain-of-custody rules are followed.
Once the samples are collected, they are labeled and packaged before being delivered to registered laboratories for analysis.
How long do DNA results take in Kenya?
The length of time it takes to perform DNA testing varies depending on the type of testing and the number of items tested.
This period also varies depending on the laboratory. Because of the high volume of testing requests, some laboratories may experience delays.
However, it usually takes three to ten working days for DNA test results to be available. In some cases, some DNA labs can expedite results in less than three days for an additional fee.
Although, court cases may take a little longer or even faster, depending on the urgency of the results.
DNA testing in criminal cases
Forensic DNA testing is one of the more important types of DNA testing, as it aids in determining missing information in a crime scene investigation.
It is commonly used to compare deposited materials at a crime scene to known samples taken from a victim or suspect.
The majority of these DNA samples are then sent to a lab to be extracted.
DNA testing in criminal cases takes between 24 and 72 hours, but collecting DNA from a crime scene can take up to 14 days. This means that suspects may have been released by the time the results are available.
In addition, depending on the laboratory, results can be obtained in as little as two working days. Other laboratories may take up to ten working days to provide results; this varies by lab.
DNA Testing Centers Kenya
• Easy DNA
This company has its office in Nairobi. It has carried out over 300,000 DNA tests. It uses the 21 genetic markers while carrying out the genetic tests. The cost of testing the alleged father and the child is KES 24,000. The results can be received within a period of 5-7 working days.
Easy DNA conducts the below DNA services in Kenya
- Paternity Testing
- Relationship Testing
- Legal DNA Test
- Infidelity DNA Test
- Discreet DNA Samples
Contacts info@easydnakenya.com and phone number 0722622166. DNA Testing in Kenya
• British Embassy – Nairobi
They provide DNA testing when one is emigrating from Kenya. The turnaround time may take 3-5 working days and for complex cases, it might take 5-10 working days. They use up to 68 DNA markers to carry out the tests.
• Bioinformatics institute of Kenya(KIBS)
This company uses 24 genetic markers in the DNA of the child, father, and mother. KIBS provides both online and telephone customer services 24/7. The results are released within 5 working days.
The rate for the 24-marker test for a father and a child is a total of KES 20,000. For the 41-marker test for the alleged father and the child is KES 30,000.
Payment is made through MPesa pay bill or the bank account. Contacts info@kibs.co.ke and phone number +2547163352266.
• Lancet laboratories
Main Laboratory in Upper Hill Nairobi. Paternity testing Centers
• SepiDNA Kenya
The company has its office in Westlands, Nairobi. The DNA is carried out on 16 genetic markers. The cost of paternity testing starts from KES 39, 9930.
The turnaround time is just 5-7 working days though they express testing can be offered at will and it only takes two days. Contact silveredgekenya@gmail.com and the phone number is +254704967808.
• Pathcare Kenya
Regal Plaza Limuru Road 12560-00606 Nairobi, Kenya
+254-20-3753416/7/8/9 / 020-2430854/020-2430753
254-20-375-3420
0733333552/0722203074
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• Kenyatta National Hospital
Kenyatta National Hospital offers DNA tests for patients and people who seek these services. The tests cost between Ksh20, 000 to Ksh 30,000 and are 99.9 % accurate.DNA test in Kenyatta Hospital
• KEMRI
KEMRI Human DNA Identification Laboratory also known as HID laboratory is a leading laboratory in the provision of DNA testing services in the region.
They offer DNA Testing services in the area of paternity testing and family relationship testing. Ms. Eva Aluvaala is the Head of the KEMRI DNA Lab.
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