A birth certificate is an official document containing a person’s information about birth including name, names of the parents, and place where the person was born.
In Kenya, it is an important document as it is needed when applying for various entities including a National ID, registering for KCPE and KCSE, and a passport.
Birth certificates are applied at Huduma Centres, eCitizen Portal, or the District Birth and Death Registries.
A child should be registered for a birth certificate immediately after birth or after six months. The following are the steps for applying for a birth certificate for newborns;
- Original and duplicate copies of the notification of birth from the hospital.
- Duly filled application forms – Birth and Death Registration form.
- The original National ID cards, passports, or birth certificates.
In cases where a child is born at home, the Sub-Chief of that area registers the birth. In Nairobi, all births are registered at City Hall or Huduma Centre.
Birth certificate charges vary between Sh 200 to Sh 1000 depending on the application.
Birth certificates for newborns are issued at Sh 200 while late registration of birth certificates is charged at Sh 500. Re-registration of birth certificates is charged at Sh 1000.
Applying for Late Registration of Birth
Any birth in the country should be registered in the Immigration Centre within the first 6 months. However, when the birth is not registered within the specified period, it is deemed late registration.
In Kenya, late registration of births is discouraged. However, if not registered, one must fill and submit a registration form in person at a Civil Registration Department near them.
Requirements for this service include;
- Parent’s National ID Card.
- Child immunization clinic card or antenatal card.
- Religious certificate
- School leaving certificates
- ID cards for adult applicants
- A duly filled application form for registration of late birth.
For more information, visit the nearest Huduma Centre or call the Huduma Contact Centre: +254 (020) 6900020.
