A Kenyan child born abroad can have their birth certificate applied for in Kenya through the Civil Registration Services and Kenyan Embassies, where parents or guardians submit the required documents.
The application process involves coordination between foreign civil authorities in the respective country of birth, the Kenyan embassy, and Kenya’s Civil Registration Services (CRS).
The Birth Certificate application is governed by the Births and Deaths Registration Act (Cap. 149) of the Kenyan Constitution, indicating that the birth occurred outside Kenya and is recognized by the Kenyan government.
How Birth Registration Is Done Through Embassies
A Kenyan child born abroad is eligible for registration under Kenyan law, provided at least one parent is a Kenyan citizen at the time of birth.
The process is formally handled through Kenyan embassies or consulates, which act as the first point of verification before the birth is entered into Kenya’s civil registration system
Also Read: How to Legally Add or Remove a Parent’s Name on a Birth Certificate in Kenya
Parents or any person with knowledge of the birth must first obtain documentary evidence confirming the birth in the foreign country with an English translation issued by the Doctor, Midwife, or other person who attended the birth.
Applicant must be over 18 years of age with proof of Dual Citizenship Disclosure.
When the birth occurred in the United States, the application is sent to
Kenya Embassy, Washington, D.C
2249 R St NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20008
Required documents include:
- Duly filled Form BDA 1
- Certified or Notarized copy of child’s Foreign Birth Certificate
- Copy of child’s Foreign Passport if available
- Copy of both parents’ Kenyan passports, Birth Certificates and 2nd Generation ID cards if one parent is not a Kenyan
- Certified or Notarized copy of foreign passport and birth certificate
- Copy of BOTH parents’ Kenyan passport valid at the time of birth of child
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of documents
- Certified Mail or Priority Mail with delivery confirmation
To facilitate the process, the applicant is required to pay a Processing fee of $150 – Money order / Cashier’s cheque Payable to the Kenyan Embassy
Where documentation is incomplete, the embassy or the Registrar of Births in Kenya may request additional evidence or clarification before approval is granted.
Verification and Processing in Kenya
After submission, the Kenyan embassy forwards the application to the Civil Registration Services in Kenya.
The Registrar reviews the documents and supporting evidence before approving the entry. Once approved, the child is formally recorded in Kenya’s civil registry system, making them legally recognized under Kenyan records.
After successful registration, a Kenyan birth certificate is issued to the applicant. The certificate clearly indicates that the birth occurred outside Kenya.
Application Process for Birth Registration in Kenya
When the child is physically in Kenya, the application process begins by submitting the required documents to the Civil Registration Services offices or Huduma Centers.
Also Read: Inside Kenya’s National Registration System: How ID Numbers Are Generated
Required Documents for Registration in Kenya
Applicants must present a set of official documents to support the registration. These include:
- Original copy of the foreign birth certificate issued by the country of birth with English translation where applicable
- Original and copy of the child’s passport
- Original and copy of the Kenyan parent’s national ID and passport
- Application fee of Ksh1000 and 250 for birth certificate
Where a parent lacks identification documents, an affidavit or a court-issued document, such as a divorce decree to support the application.
For adult applicants aged 18 and above, additional proof is required, such as a Kenyan passport or a citizenship declaration, and an original and a copy of the letter regaining Kenyan citizenship.
Once the application is submitted, the Civil Registration Services undertakes verification of all documents.
After verification, the birth is entered into the Kenyan civil register as a birth occurring outside Kenya
Once registration is approved, a Kenyan birth certificate is issued.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
