Getting a birth certificate in Kenya is a straightforward process whether you are registering a newborn, completing a late registration, or replacing a lost copy. Knowing the exact documents required beforehand prevents unnecessary trips to Huduma Centres or Civil Registration offices.
Birth Certificate Requirements
1. Newborn Registration (Under 6 Months)
- Birth Notification: Original Acknowledgement of Birth Notification (ABN) issued by the health facility at delivery.
- Parental Identification: Original and photocopies of both parents’ Kenyan National IDs or valid passports.
- Marriage Certificate: Official legal copy (required if both parents wish to appear on the certificate as married).
2. Late Registration (Over 6 Months & Adults)
- Proof of Birth: Mother-Child Health Clinic card (Ante-Natal booklet) or baptismal certificate.
- Academic Records: Primary school leaving certificate or KCPE/KPSEA result slip.
- Sworn Affidavit: Legally executed affidavit explaining the cause of delayed registration.
- Parental Proof: IDs of parents or official death certificates if they are deceased.
3. Replacement of Lost or Damaged Certificates
- Police Abstract: Official police abstract confirming the loss or theft.
- Affidavit of Loss: Sworn by a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Identification: Copy of applicant’s National ID and copy of the lost certificate (if available).
Step-by-Step eCitizen Application Guide
- Log In: Access ecitizen.go.ke and select Civil Registration Services.
- Select Application: Choose Apply for Birth Certificate (First-time or Replacement).
- Upload Credentials: Scan and upload clear, legible PDFs of all required documents.
- Payment: Pay the processing fee via M-Pesa.
- Collection: Await the SMS approval alert, then bring all original physical documents for verification upon collection at your chosen Huduma Centre or Sub-County registry.
Application Fees and Processing Timelines
| Category | Primary Requirement | Application Channel | Fee (KES) | Timeline |
| Newborn (<6 Months) | Hospital Notification | eCitizen / Huduma Centre | 180 | 5–10 Working Days |
| Late Registration (>6 Months) | Clinic Card & Affidavit | Sub-County Registry | 250 | 14–30 Working Days |
| Replacement Copy | Police Abstract & ID | eCitizen / Huduma Centre | 180 | 7–14 Working Days |
Pro-Tips to Avoid Application Rejections
- Name Uniformity: Ensure the child’s name matches identically across hospital records, clinic books, and identification documents.
- Scan Quality: Always use a document scanner rather than taking photos with low-light phone cameras to pass eCitizen portal verification.
- Single Parents: If registering without the father’s details, bring a legal affidavit confirming single guardianship to avoid registry delays.
Important Resources
Download Kenya Birth Notification Form B1 PDF
Requirements for Certificate of Good Conduct in Kenya
