Do you want to apply for a birth certificate in Kenya? This article will take you through getting a Kenyan birth certificate.
The birth certificate is the first step toward the entire exercise of citizenship. It proves your existence, place, and date of birth and is a legal document that shows and provides your parents’ names.
How do I get my certificate of birth certificate in Kenya?
This is because of the birth certificate number Kenya. Without this document and the birth certificate number, citizens are deprived of their fundamental rights and cannot access social programs and other government services.
These services and documents include; National ID Cards, passports applications, visa applications, applications for employment, or even registering for final exams in primary and secondary schools.
Where do I get a birth certificate?
Getting a Birth Certificate in Kenya falls is the same as registration of persons in Kenya, is done under the office of the president in Kenya, the ministry of interior, and co-ordination of Kenya’s National Government, immigration, and registration of persons.
In this Digital Age, you can apply for a birth certificate in Kenya online through the government eCitizen portal. Check below for instructions on applying for a birth certificate in Kenya through the eCitizen website.
Different scenarios for birth certificate application
- First scenario – You have a new child – (Immediately after birth, less than six months old)
- 2nd scenario – Late registration (after six months of birth)
- 3rd scenario – You are living abroad and want to register
- 4th scenario – You are applying for an adult
Birth Certificate in Kenya Application Requirements
If you are a new parent, i.e., you register for your newborn baby who is less than six months old. This is the best time because it is easier to go through the process. This is a vital step in a child’s life because it marks the first step of being recognized officially by the state as a citizen of this country.
Requirements to apply for a birth certificate in Kenya:
- A copy of the baby’s father’s ID
- A copy of the birth notification
- The original birth notification
- Your unique ID
- A fee of Ksh 90/ – Ksh 200/- ( The price may change from time to time).
- Application Forms (BDA – Birth and Deaths Registration form) duly filled.
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 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, fill out, and submit a form from the District Birth and Death Registries. However, if your child was born at home, the Sub-Chief can register births in his location. In Nairobi, all deliveries are registered at the City Hall.
Applying for a Late Birth Certificate in Kenya
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.
You will need the following to register for a birth certificate.
- Municipal notification of birth.
- Certificate of doctor or midwife who attended the birth.
- Child immunization clinic card.
- School leaving certificate.
- Baptismal certificate.
- Identity card or passport
- Letter from employer indicating the date of birth
- Filled out an Application for Registration of a Late Birth
Applying for a Birth Certificate in Kenya While Abroad
The third scenario is when you live abroad and would like to register for your child. It would be best if you visited the Embassy where you live. This process takes much longer than the others since your documents must be sent from Kenya. This is only applicable if the child was born outside the country but to Kenyan parents.
- The procedure to follow to obtain a Kenyan Birth Certificate outside the Kenyan Border
- Two(2) Application Forms (BDA – Birth and Deaths Registration form) duly filled.
- Two(2) photocopies of both parents’ passports. The copies of the Kenyan parent’s passport have to include pages 29-32 (for the A-Series Passport), pages45-48(for the B-series Passport), pages 61-64 (for the CSeries Passport), and the photo page.
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Two(2) photocopies of the child’s Birth certificate or notification issued by the civil authorities or the hospital in the country of birth (either an international version or copies of the original and an official English translation)
- Two (2) self-addressed, stamped A5 envelopes for postage purposes.
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Two(2) copies of parents’ marriage certificate, either international or translated into English if legally married.
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A non-refundable fee of $10.00for each certificate is payable only by bank transfer (Embassy of theRepublic of Kenya, IBAN:DE63100400000266014004) or EC-Debit card at the Embassy. They will not accept cash payments. They will not refund overpaid amounts. Enclosed is a copy of the bank transfer slips together 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
Adults with notification cards can visit the nearest District Birth and Death Registrar with a copy of their National ID Card. The Officials will give the B1 Form to fill out. They may accept baptism cards and primary school certificates in exceptional circumstances. A fee of Kshs 100 may apply.
How to Register for a Birth Certificate on eCitizen
Kenya’s government has made it more convenient to apply for a Birth Certificate from wherever you are. You need to create an account on the ecitizen website and continue the registration process. The good thing about this is that you can do it from your smartphone’s comfort, complete all the money transactions, and pick it up at Bishop House in your own time.
All you need to create an account is your phone number, National ID Card Number, and E-mail address. Upon successful registration, you will log in to your account and see several available services you can request. Look at the image below for what to expect.
Applying for a lost birth certificate in Kenya
The following is the process for the Birth certificate Kenya replacement procedure in Kenya. Most people often ask What to do if I lose my birth certificate in Kenya? How do I replace a lost birth certificate? Well, it is easy than you think and just read on.
Huduma Center birth certificate replacement
All you have to do is visit any Huduma Center closest to you, and they will take you through applying for a lost birth certificate. You will get a new one and access essential government services.
