How to Apply For a Birth Certificate in Kenya?

Updated on April 28, 2024: Added detailed information on different scenarios for birth certificate application in Kenya, including applying for a newborn’s birth certificate, late registration, registering a child born abroad, applying as an adult, and obtaining a duplicate or replacement birth certificate. The updated content provides comprehensive guidance for readers facing various situations when applying for a birth certificate in Kenya.

Do you want to apply for a birth certificate in Kenya? In this article, we will take you through the process of getting a Kenyan birth certificate.

The birth certificate is the first step towards the full exercise of citizenship. It proves your existence, your place and the date of birth, and it is a legal document that shows and provides the names of your parents.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a birth certificate in Kenya.

How Do You Get Your Birth Certificate In Kenya?

To get your birth certificate from Kenya, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Identify the Issuing Authority: In Kenya, birth certificates are issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths under the Ministry of Health.
2. Locate the Registrar’s Office: Find the nearest Registrar of Births and Deaths office. These offices are often located in sub-county or county commissioner’s offices.
3. Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents, which may include:
   • Original notification of birth issued by the hospital (if available): This is a document provided by the hospital where the child was born, indicating the details of the birth such as date, time, place, and parents’ information.
   • National Identity Card or passport of the parent(s) or guardian(s): You will need the ID or passport of at least one parent or legal guardian.
   • Copies of the parent(s) or guardian(s) ID or passport: Make sure to have photocopies of the ID or passport of the parent(s) or guardian(s) accompanying the application.
4. Visit the Registrar’s Office: Go to the Registrar of Births and Deaths office with all your required documents.
5. Fill Out the Application Form: Request and complete the birth certificate application form provided by the Registrar’s office. Provide accurate information about yourself, your parents, and your place of birth.
6. Submit the Application: Submit the filled-out application form along with the required documents to the Registrar’s office. The office will review your application for completeness and accuracy.
7. Pay the Fee: Pay the prescribed fee for obtaining a birth certificate. The fee amount may vary and can be confirmed at the Registrar’s office.
8. Wait for Processing: The Registrar’s office will verify the information provided and process your birth certificate. This process may take some time, so be patient.
9. Collect Your Birth Certificate: Once your birth certificate is ready, you will be notified to collect it from the Registrar’s office. Bring your ID or passport for verification when collecting the certificate.

Apply For A Birth Certificate In Kenya Through The eCitizen Website

You can now apply for a birth certificate in Kenya online through the government eCitizen portal.

Check below for instructions about how to apply for a birth certificate in Kenya through the eCitizen website.

1. Create an eCitizen Account:
   • Visit the eCitizen website (www.ecitizen.go.ke) and create an account if you don’t have one already.
   • Provide your personal information, including your name, email address, and phone number, to register.
2. Log in to Your eCitizen Account:
   • Once registered, log in to your eCitizen account using your credentials (email address and password).
3. Navigate to the Department of Civil Registration Services:
   • After logging in, go to the “Departments” section on the eCitizen platform.
   • Find and select the “Civil Registration Services” department.
4. Select “Apply for Birth Certificate”:
   • Within the Civil Registration Services department, locate the option to “Apply for Birth Certificate” and click on it.
5. Fill Out the Birth Certificate Application Form:
   • Complete the online application form for the birth certificate.
   • Provide accurate information about the child, parents, and place of birth as required in the form.
6. Upload Required Documents:
   • Scan and upload the necessary documents, such as the child’s original notification of birth, parent(s) or guardian(s) ID or passport copies, and any other documents specified in the application.
7. Review and Confirm:
   • Review the information provided in the application form and uploaded documents to ensure accuracy.
   • Confirm that all details are correct before proceeding.
8. Pay the Application Fee:
   • Pay the prescribed fee for applying for a birth certificate through the eCitizen platform.
   • The fee for the application is 100 Ksh, payable via Lipa Na Mpesa.
   • Follow the payment instructions provided on the website to complete the transaction securely.
9. Submit the Application:
   • Once the payment is successful, submit your birth certificate application through the eCitizen portal.
   • You will receive a confirmation of your application submission.
10. Wait for Processing:
    • The Department of Civil Registration Services will process your application and verify the information provided.
    • This process may take some time, so be patient and regularly check your eCitizen account for updates on the status of your application.
11. Download and Print the Birth Certificate:
    • Once your birth certificate is processed and approved, you will receive notification on the eCitizen platform.
    • Log in to your eCitizen account to download and print your birth certificate.

Different Scenarios For Birth Certificate Application

Here are several scenarios that may occur during the birth certificate application process in Kenya:

Applying for a Newborn’s Birth Certificate

• Situation: A parent wants to apply for a birth certificate for their newborn baby.
• Process: The parent gathers the required documents such as the hospital’s notification of birth, their own ID or passport, and the other parent’s ID or passport (if applicable). They then follow the steps outlined by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, either through physical submission at the office or online via the eCitizen platform.

Requirements to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya:

1. Original Notification of Birth:
   • This is a document issued by the hospital or healthcare facility where the child was born. It contains details such as the date, time, and place of birth, as well as the names of the parents.
2. Parent’s Identification Documents:
   • National Identity Card (ID) or passport of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
   • Copies of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) ID or passport may also be required.
3. Application Form:
   • You need to fill out the birth certificate application form provided by the Registrar of Births and Deaths office.
4. Fee Payment:
   • There is usually a prescribed fee for applying for a birth certificate. The fee amount may vary, so it’s advisable to check with the Registrar’s office.
5. Additional Documentation (if applicable):
   • In certain cases, additional documents may be required, such as:
     • Affidavits or sworn statements if the child’s birth was not initially registered.
     • Court orders or legal documents in cases of guardianship or adoption.
     • Supporting documents for late registration of birth if the child’s birth was not registered within the required timeframe.
6. Photographs (if required):
   • Some Registrar of Births and Deaths offices may require recent passport-sized photographs of the child or parents for the application.
7. Legal Requirements:
   • Compliance with any legal requirements or regulations set forth by the Registrar of Births and Deaths office or relevant government authorities.

Please note that a birth certificate is given free of charge if the application is made within the first six months of birth. However, a convenience fee of Kshs 50 is charged to facilitate the process. The cost is different for late registration or registration as an adult.

All you need to do is obtain and fill out and submit a form from the District Birth and Death Registries. However, if your child was born at home, the Sub-Chief is authorised to register births in his location. In Nairobi, all deliveries are registered at the City Hall.

Applying for a Late Birth Certificate

• Situation: A person discovers that their birth was never registered and needs to apply for a late registration of birth.
• Process: The individual gathers evidence of their birth, such as hospital records, affidavits from relatives, or other supporting documents. They then visit the Registrar of Births and Deaths office to explain their situation and provide the necessary documents for a late registration of birth.

Any birth that has a notification that has not been forwarded to the immigration department within the first six months after the child is born is termed late registration.

For this, you will need the following to register for a birth certificate.

1. Municipal notification of birth.
2. Certificate of doctor or midwife who attended the birth.
3. Child immunisation clinic card.
4. School leaving certificate.
5. Baptismal certificate.
6. Identity card or passport
7. Letter from employer indicating the date of birth
8. Filled out an Application for Registration of a Late Birth

Applying for a Birth Certificate for a Child Born Abroad

• Situation: Kenyan parents residing abroad want to register the birth of their child and obtain a birth certificate.
• Process: The parents contact the Kenyan embassy or consulate in their country of residence to inquire about the process for registering their child’s birth. They provide the required documents, which may include the child’s birth notification from the local authorities, the parents’ IDs or passports, and any other relevant documents. The embassy or consulate assists them in submitting the application to the Registrar of Births and Deaths in Kenya.

This process takes much longer than the others since your documents have to be sent from Kenya. This is only applicable if the child was born outside the country but to Kenyan parents.

The procedure to obtain a Kenyan Birth Certificate outside Kenya’s borders involves the following steps:

1. Fill out two (2) Application Forms (BDA – Birth and Deaths Registration form) completely.
2. Provide two (2) photocopies of both parents’ passports. The copies of the Kenyan parent’s passport must include specific pages depending on the passport series: pages 29-32 (for the A Series Passport), pages 45-48 (for the B-series Passport), pages 61-64 (for the C Series Passport), and the photo page.
3. Submit two (2) photocopies of the child’s Birth certificate or notification issued by the civil authorities or the hospital in the country of birth. This can be either an international version or copies of the original along with an official English translation.
4. Include two (2) self-addressed, stamped A5 envelopes for postage purposes.
5. Provide two (2) copies of the parents’ marriage certificate, either in its international form or translated into English if legally married.
6. Pay a non-refundable fee of $10.00 for each certificate, payable only by bank transfer to the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya (IBAN: DE63100400000266014004) or through an EC-Debit card at the Embassy. Cash payments will not be accepted, and overpaid amounts will not be refunded. Enclose a copy of the bank transfer slips with the application.

Please note that the processing time takes three months or more, depending on the time it takes for the authorities to verify parents citizenship details.

Applying for a Birth Certificate as an Adult

• Situation: An individual who was not registered at birth needs to apply for a birth certificate as an adult.
• Process: The individual collects any available documents related to their birth, such as baptismal certificates, affidavits from relatives, or school records indicating their date of birth. They then visit the Registrar of Births and Deaths office with these documents to start the registration process.

Adults with notification cards can visit the nearest District Birth and Death Registrar, armed with a copy of your National ID Card. The Officials will give the B1 Form to fill. Baptism card and primary school certificates may be accepted in exceptional circumstances. A fee of Kshs 100 may apply.

Applying for a Duplicate or Replacement Birth Certificate

• Situation: An individual needs to obtain a duplicate or replacement birth certificate due to loss, damage, or updating incorrect information.
• Process: The person contacts the Registrar of Births and Deaths office and follows their specific procedure for requesting a duplicate or replacement birth certificate. This may involve filling out a form, providing identification, and paying a fee. The office verifies the information and issues the duplicate or replacement certificate accordingly.

If your birth occurred within Nairobi County, options include heading to the Office of the Registration of Births and Deaths or visiting the Huduma Centre. Presenting the notification slip, which confirms your date of birth, is required. Upon validation, you’ll complete a form (B1) and submit it to the civil registration officer.

For those born outside Nairobi, the process involves visiting Hass Plaza, located on the 4th Floor at Lower Hill Road. The processing fee typically ranges from Sh50 to Sh180. After submission, you’ll be informed of when to collect your birth certificate.

To initiate the application process, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• National Identity Card
• Original ID Card/Passport/Birth Certificate of both parents.
• In case one of the parents is dead, you’ll be required to present the death certificate.
• A baptismal card School leaving certificate
• In case you don’t have the parent’s ID, you can visit the National Registration Bureau for a printout.

Huduma Center birth certificate replacement

All you have to do is visit any Huduma Center closest to you, and they will take you through the process of applying for a lost birth certificate. You will get a new one and be able to access essential government services.

FAQs

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya?

Parents or legal guardians can apply for a birth certificate on behalf of their child. Adults who were not registered at birth or need a duplicate/replacement certificate can also apply.

Where Do I Get A Birth Certificate?

You can typically obtain a birth certificate from the government authority responsible for registering births in the country where you were born. In many countries, including Kenya, birth certificates are issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or a similar government department under the Ministry of Health or Interior.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Birth Certificate?

The required documents typically include the original notification of birth, parent(s) or guardian(s) ID or passport, filled-out application form, and any additional documents specified by the Registrar’s office.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Birth Certificate Application?

The processing time varies but may take several weeks to months, depending on the workload and verification process at the Registrar’s office.

Can I Apply for a Birth Certificate Online?

Yes, you can apply for a birth certificate online through the eCitizen platform in Kenya. However, specific requirements and procedures may apply.

What Is the Fee for Applying for a Birth Certificate?

The fee for a birth certificate application varies and can be confirmed at the Registrar’s office. Fees may also differ for different types of applications (e.g., new registration, late registration, duplicate certificate).

How Do I Track the Status of My Birth Certificate Application?

You can track the status of your application by contacting the Registrar of Births and Deaths office where you submitted your application or checking online if applicable.

What Should I Do If There Are Errors on My Child’s Birth Certificate?

If there are errors on the birth certificate, you should contact the Registrar’s office immediately to rectify the mistakes. Provide any necessary supporting documents for correction.

Is a Birth Certificate Issued in Kenya Valid Internationally?

Yes, a birth certificate issued in Kenya is generally recognized and accepted internationally as a valid proof of birth and identity.

Conclusion

Obtaining a birth certificate in Kenya is crucial for establishing your legal identity and accessing essential services. Whether you’re applying for a newborn or in special circumstances, understanding the process and gathering the required documents is key. Take advantage of online applications through platforms like eCitizen to simplify the process.

By following guidelines and ensuring accuracy, you can successfully obtain your birth certificate, gaining recognition both nationally and internationally.