People seek DNA paternity tests for many reasons. Some need to establish a biological relationship for personal certainty. Others face legal situations involving child support, custody, or inheritance. Whatever the reason, it is a personal decision, and understanding the process upfront removes most of the anxiety.

In Kenya, the Children Act 2022 gives courts the power to order DNA tests in parentage disputes. But you do not need a court order to get tested. Private paternity tests are available at accredited laboratories in Nairobi, and you can walk in and get one done the same day.

How DNA Paternity Testing Works

A paternity test compares specific regions of DNA between the alleged father and the child. The lab looks at Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers, which are segments of DNA that vary between individuals. A child inherits half of their DNA from each biological parent, so every marker in the child's DNA profile must match either the mother or father.

The lab typically analyses 16 to 24 STR markers. If the alleged father's markers match the child's at every tested location, the probability of paternity is reported as 99.99% or higher. If even a few markers do not match, paternity is excluded with 100% certainty. There is no ambiguity in the result.

The Testing Process at CA Medlynks

Getting a paternity test done at CA Medlynks takes three steps:

Step 1: Book an Appointment

Contact us via WhatsApp or call +254 741 669 175. Walk-ins are also welcome during opening hours (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-5pm). No referral or prescription is needed.

Step 2: Sample Collection

Samples are collected using a buccal (cheek) swab. A soft, sterile swab is rubbed against the inside of the cheek for about 30 seconds per person. It is painless, takes less than 15 minutes for all parties, and does not require a blood draw. Both the alleged father and child need to be present for sample collection.

Step 3: Results

Results are ready in 5 to 7 business days. You will receive a detailed report stating the probability of paternity. Results can be collected in person or sent via email to the authorized party.

Cost of DNA Paternity Testing in Nairobi

A private DNA paternity test at CA Medlynks costs KES 42,000. This covers sample collection for both the alleged father and child, the full STR analysis at our KENAS-accredited laboratory, and the results report.

For a KENAS-accredited lab with ISO 15189 certification, this price is competitive. Some labs in Nairobi charge more for the same test, while cheaper options may not carry accreditation, which matters if you later need to reference the results in any formal context.

Payment methods accepted: M-Pesa, cash, Visa, and Mastercard.

Private vs Legal Paternity Tests

There are two types of paternity tests, and they differ in how they can be used:

  • Private (peace of mind) test: This is the standard test at KES 42,000. Results are for your personal knowledge only. They are scientifically accurate, but they are not court-admissible because there is no formal chain-of-custody documentation.
  • Legal paternity test: If you need results that can be presented in court for child custody, child support, or inheritance disputes, additional chain-of-custody procedures are required. This includes identity verification with government-issued ID and witnessed sample collection. Contact us directly to discuss legal testing requirements and pricing.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Paternity testing is a sensitive matter, and CA Medlynks treats it that way. Here is how we protect your privacy:

  • Results are shared only with the person who authorized the test. No third parties receive results without written consent.
  • Sample collection is done in a private room at our clinic.
  • Your records are stored securely and handled under the same data protection standards that apply to all our laboratory services.
  • The booking process through WhatsApp or phone is discrete. No details are discussed over shared lines or public channels.

When Should You Consider a Paternity Test?

Common reasons people come in for DNA paternity testing include:

  • Establishing biological relationship: Confirming whether a man is the biological father of a child.
  • Peace of mind: Resolving personal doubts without involving any legal process.
  • Immigration and citizenship: Some embassies and immigration authorities require DNA proof of biological relationship as part of visa or citizenship applications.
  • Inheritance matters: Establishing biological parentage in estate or succession disputes.
  • Child support or custody: Providing evidence in family court proceedings (legal test required for this purpose).

Book Your DNA Paternity Test

If you are ready to get a paternity test done, or if you have questions about the process, here is how to reach CA Medlynks:

KES 42,000. Results in 5-7 business days. No blood draw. KENAS-accredited lab.