Applying for a birth certificate in Kenya is an important step that secures a child’s legal identity and unlocks access to essential services like health care, education, and social protection.
Whether your child was born days, months ago, or you’re an adult applying late, here’s how to navigate the process.
Birth registration ensures access to public services, protects children from exploitation, and helps the government plan and deliver resources more effectively.
The Civil Registration Service (CRS) is mandated to register all births occurring within Kenya and those of Kenyan citizens born abroad.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- For Newborns (Under 6 Months)
To apply for a current birth certificate:
Hospital Births: Obtain a birth notification card from the hospital.
Home Births: The local sub-chief will fill out Form A1 and authorize registration.
Submit the parent’s ID, passport, refugee card, or alien card.
- For Late Registration (Over 6 Months)
Start the process at your local sub-chief’s office. Complete Form B3, then submit it to a District Registry or ACK Bishop House in Nairobi.
Also Read: Passport Application in Kenya: Fees, Forms, and Requirements
Documents required include:
- Baptismal certificate
- Child immunization clinic card
- School leaving certificate
- Municipal notification of birth
- Parent or child’s ID/passport
- For Adults (18 Years and Older)
Adults without a birth certificate can apply by providing proof of date of birth at the District Registry, Huduma Centre, or sub-chief’s office.
Required documents:
- National ID
- Parents’ IDs, passports or birth certificates
- School leaving certificate
- Baptismal card
If a parent’s ID is unavailable, include an identification report from the National Registration Bureau.
Where to Apply
You can register a birth and apply for the certificate at:
- eCitizen Portal: Fill in the online application, upload documents, pay fees, and select a collection point. https://www.ecitizen.go.ke
- Huduma Centres: Nationwide service centers where you can apply or collect your certificate.
- District Civil Registration Offices: Visit in person to get help and submit your documents.
During your online application, make sure to select your pickup location carefully.
Also Read: How to Apply for a National ID at Huduma Centre
What Information Is Collected?
For the child:
Name, sex, date of birth, weight, ethnicity, place and type of birth, birth attendant, etc.
For the mother:
Date of birth or age, marital status, education level, residence, birth order, and fetal death history.
Fees and Processing Time
Type of Application Fee (KSH) eCitizen Service Fee
Application for Birth Certificate 200 50
Application with Amendment 1,000 50
The processing time is about four weeks. After submitting the online Form B4, wait at least a month before collecting your birth certificate from the selected location.
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