A birth certificate is a vital identification document that grants children access to a variety of services until they reach the age of 18. This document plays a significant role in the application process for national ID cards, passports, visas, and even registration for exams like KCPE and KCSE. In Kenya, every child should be registered for a birth certificate within six months of birth.
If you’re wondering how to get a birth certificate in Kenya, this article will guide you through the process, including how to apply in person, online, and replace a lost or damaged certificate.
How to Get a Birth Certificate in Kenya
To obtain a birth certificate in Kenya, you can visit the nearest Huduma Centre or go to the district birth and death registries in your county. Additionally, you can complete the process online through the eCitizen portal.
However, before applying for the birth certificate, the birth must first be registered at the hospital where the child is born. The hospital will provide a birth notification that is needed to apply for the birth certificate.
There are two common scenarios for obtaining a birth certificate:
- New Birth Certificate: For children born immediately or within six months after birth.
- Late Registration: For children whose birth was not registered within six months.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Person
Requirements for a New Birth Certificate:
- Original and a copy of the birth notification.
- Copies of parents’ national ID.
- Application fees (Ksh 60 – Ksh 180, depending on location and circumstances).
Requirements for Late Registration:
- For individuals under 18 years:
- Clinic card or prenatal records.
- Parent’s original ID card, birth certificate, or death certificate (if a parent is deceased).
- Documents such as a letter from the chief or a lawyer.
- Completed late registration application form.
- For individuals over 18 years:
- Applicant’s ID card.
- Parents’ original ID cards, birth certificates, passports, or death certificates (if applicable).
- Baptismal card.
- Class 8 and Form Four school leaving certificates.
- National registration bureau printouts for individuals without parents’ IDs.
- Completed late registration application form.
Procedure:
- Visit your district’s Office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths or a Huduma Centre.
- Obtain the application form and fill it out.
- Attach copies of the birth notification and parent’s IDs.
- Submit the form at the registration office.
- Pay the application fees at the cash register.
- Keep the receipt for reference. You’ll be notified when the birth certificate is ready for collection.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online
The eCitizen platform allows you to apply for a birth certificate for your child or late birth registration from anywhere in Kenya. Here’s how you can complete the process online:
Requirements:
- Scanned copy of the birth notification.
- Scanned copy of parents’ national IDs (or a death certificate if a parent is deceased).
- For those over the age of 18, a scanned copy of their ID is required.
- Application fee.
Application Steps:
- Visit the eCitizen portal.
- Sign in or create an account if you don’t have one.
- Go to the Civil Registration Department and click the ‘Get Service’ button.
- Choose the birth certificate option.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload all necessary documents (ensure they are in PDF format).
- Select a location for certificate pick-up.
- Click “Continue” and make the payment via Mpesa, debit/credit cards, or Airtel Money.
- Print the invoice for reference.
- You will be notified once the birth certificate is ready for collection.
How to Get a Birth Certificate Without a Birth Notification
If you do not have the birth notification (for example, if the child was born at home or registered late), don’t worry. You can still proceed with the application:
- Visit the local sub-chief’s office. Sub-chiefs are authorized to register births in their areas and can provide the necessary documentation.
- If the birth notification is lost, you can request a copy from the hospital where the child was born or visit the Civil Registry in your county to retrieve a copy.
How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Birth Certificate in Kenya
If your birth certificate is lost or damaged, you must replace it as soon as possible. To do so, you need a birth notification or a previous copy of the birth certificate. If you don’t have either, you will need to visit the Civil Registry in your county to retrieve a copy.
Replacement in Person:
Required Documents:
- Copy of the birth notification or birth certificate (if lost, visit the Civil Registry to obtain a copy).
- Parent’s ID (or a death certificate if any parent is deceased).
Procedure:
- Visit a Huduma Centre or Civil Registration Office.
- Submit the required documents and fill out Form B1.
- Pay the application fee (usually between Ksh 60 and Ksh 180).
- Wait for notification when the certificate is ready for collection.
Replacement Online:
Required Documents:
- Scanned copy of the birth notification or birth certificate.
- Scanned copy of the parent’s national ID or death certificate (if applicable).
Procedure:
- Log in to the eCitizen portal.
- Go to the Civil Registration Department and select Apply for Replacement.
- Fill out the necessary details and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee and submit your application.
- Once processed, download the invoice and submit it to the Civil Registration Department located at ACK Bishop House, Bishop’s Road.
- Wait for the notification once the birth certificate is ready.
FAQs
How can I get my birth certificate number online in Kenya?
Currently, there is no way to check your birth certificate number online. You will need to retrieve this number either from a physical copy of your certificate or by contacting the Civil Registration Department.
Conclusion
Getting a birth certificate in Kenya is a straightforward process, whether you’re applying for a new certificate, late registration, or replacement. Following the steps outlined above ensures that you can easily access this crucial document. Whether you’re applying online or in person, Kenya’s efficient systems make obtaining a birth certificate accessible to all.
Good luck, and remember to keep your documents safe for future use!
