This one carries the majority of genetic information and is inherited equally from both parents. It is the primary focus of most DNA tests, including paternity testing, genetic health screening, and forensic analysis.

It is inherited exclusively from the mother and is located in the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells.

Its oftenly used in maternal lineage studies and can provide information about an individual’s maternal ancestry.

Found only in males, Y-DNA is passed down from father to son. It is commonly used identify relatives with a shared paternal ancestor. Y-DNA testing is valuable for surname studies and understanding the male lineage within a family.

The time it takes to receive DNA test results can vary depending on the type of test. Different types of DNA tests, such as paternity tests, ancestry tests, or health-related tests, may have different processing times.

For the paternal tests the DNA can be done using a small sample of your blood sometime between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, counting from your last menstrual period. Results are usually available in 1 to 2 weeks.

If the results are abnormal, further testing (such as ultrasound and amniocentesis) may be suggested.

However paternity DNA test results are usually presented after 5 working days, while Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) takes around 10 days and about 14 days for invasive prenatal testing.

Generally, turnaround times can range from a few days to several weeks. Some testing companies offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the waiting time.

It’s essential to check the specific information provided by the DNA testing service you choose, as they usually provide estimated processing times on their websites or in the information they send to customers.

Keep in mind that unexpected factors, such as high testing demand, laboratory backlogs, or technical issues, can sometimes cause delays.

Cost of DNA test in Kenya 

The cost of a DNA paternity test in Kenya  can vary depending on the type of test required. This will depend on  the number of alleged fathers to be tested, number of children to be tested, whether the mother is to be tested as well. The costs will range from KES 25,500 to 40,000 for one father/child pair.

Requirements for a DNA test in Kenya?

Generally, you will need valid identification, consent from all parties involved, and possibly a medical professional’s referral depending on the purpose of the test. DNA samples are typically collected using a cheek swab, which collects cells from the inside of the cheek. Blood samples and other biological materials can also be used.

How are DNA paternity Test results interpreted?

Paternity test has 3 possible outcomes:-

• There is a high probability of paternity ( in layman’s terms – the tested father is the biological father)
• Paternity is excluded ( The tested man is not the father)
• Indeterminate results – The test could not rule in or rule out one or more of the tested fathers. I should highlight this is a very rare occurrence

Top 10 Hospitals offering DNA Tests in Kenya

Below is a list you can choose the hospital to attend for DNA testing;

1. Kenyatta National Hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital offers DNA tests for patients and people who seek these services .The tests cost between KES 20, 000 to KES30,000 and are 99.9 % accurate. DNA test in Kenyatta Hospital depending on the number of people being involved in the test.

Kenyatta National Hospital Location

Hospital Rd, Nairobi

Kenyatta National Hospital Contact

+(254) 709 854 000 or +(254) 730 643 000

2. 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 rates are 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 paybill or the bank account.

Bioinformatics institute of Kenya(KIBS) Location

Kenbelt Business Park, first floor, Old Mombasa Road, Nairobi

Bioinformatics institute of Kenya(KIBS) Contacts

+(254) 7163 352 266.

3. British embassy Nairobi Hospital

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.

British embassy Nairobi Hospital location

Upper Hill Nairobi

British embassy Nairobi Hospital contacts

(+254) 703082000

4. Easy DNA

With over 300,000 tests, at Easy DNA, 21 genetic markers are used 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

 

0722622166

5. 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.

Because test participants collect and submit their own DNA, results are not court-admissible. With prices starting from KES 20,000.

6. SEPIDNA Kenya

The company has it office in Westlands, Nairobi. The DNA is carried out on 16 genetic markers. The cost of the 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.

Contacts silveredgekenya@gmail.com and the phone number +254704967808.

7. Lancet laboratories

Main Laboratory in Upper Hill Nairobi. Paternity testing Centers. The cost of a DNA test in Kenya at Lancet Laboratories is Ksh. 19,949 for a father and one child when having a paternity test.

8.Pathcare Kenya

The Microbiology Laboratory offers a modern comprehensive range of tests from microscopy to the detection of organism DNA

Regal Plaza Limuru Road 12560-00606 Nairobi, Kenya
+254-20-3753416/7/8/9 / 020-2430854/020-2430753
254-20-375-3420
0733333552/0722203074

9. The American Embassy

Embassies usually have a department for testing DNA to cater to people who wish to immigrate to the US through Family Sponsorship Program.

You can visit this place to get DNA testing services which cost around Ksh4,000 per person and Ksh8,000 for two individuals.

The US Embassy in Kenya is located along United Nations Avenue, Off Limuru Road, Nairobi.

10. AlphaBiolabs

AlphaBiolabs provides certified legal and non-legal DNA testing options to identify biological relationships including paternity, maternity, siblings, grandparents, Y chromosome, twins, and prenatal paternity testing.

Call 0333 600 1300 or email info@alphabiolabs.com