A birth certificate remains one of the most important legal documents in Kenya. It is required when enrolling a child in school, applying for a national ID card, obtaining a passport, accessing government services and processing inheritance matters.
To simplify access, the government allows applications through the Civil Registration Services (CRS) portal on eCitizen, reducing paperwork and long queues at registration offices.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Which birth certificate application do you need?
The important distinction is whether the birth was registered, rather than simply the applicant’s age.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The birth was registered and you need a certificate | Follow the application process for a certificate from the existing birth record. |
| The birth was not registered within six months | Follow the late-registration procedure. |
| You previously had a certificate but lost it | Look for the replacement service or ask the registrar to help trace the existing record. |
| The certificate contains incorrect information | Seek guidance on correction or alteration of particulars. |
Official guidance defines late registration as registration of a birth more than six months after it occurred. Applying for a certificate years later does not, by itself, establish that the birth was registered late.
What documents do you need?
For a birth that is already registered, have the birth notification, the child’s details and the relevant identification documents ready.
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services lists the Acknowledgement of Birth Notification (ABN), knowledge of the date and place of birth, and the mother’s name among the requirements. Where the notification is missing, it lists tangible evidence of the ABN number from the place of birth.
Also prepare:
- Access to your eCitizen account.
- A working phone number and email address.
- Clear copies of the documents requested by the application.
- A payment method offered at checkout.
Check the requirements displayed for your selected service before paying.
How to apply through eCitizen
1. Sign in to Civil Registration Services
Open the official Civil Registration Services portal and select Sign in. Create an eCitizen account if you do not already have one.
2. Select the relevant birth certificate service
Read the service description carefully before starting.
The portal lists separate options, including a current birth certificate service for Nairobi and a current birth payment service for births outside Nairobi. Select according to where the birth occurred and the instructions displayed.
3. Enter the requested details
Use the names, date of birth, place of birth and notification details shown in the supporting records.
Check spelling and dates carefully. Do not guess a notification number or change information merely to get past a form field.
4. Attach the required documents
Where uploads are requested, submit clear, complete copies. Ensure that text and document numbers are readable.
If the system requests evidence you do not have, seek guidance from Civil Registration Services before submitting an incomplete application.
5. Review the application and pay
Check the application summary, selected service and invoice.
Pay using the options provided within the official portal. Save the application reference, invoice and payment receipt.
6. Follow the submission and collection instructions
Print any documents required by the service. The portal’s public guidance says applicants should submit the application form and invoice to the registrar for processing.
Confirm the responsible office and what you must bring. Do not assume every Huduma Centre can process or release your particular application.
How much does a birth certificate cost?
The State Department publishes the following government charges:
| Service | Published charge |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate issuance | Sh200 |
| Late registration of a birth | Sh500, plus Sh200 for the certificate |
| Registration of a name or alteration of particulars in the birth register | Sh1,000 |
These are service charges. Confirm the final invoice, including any applicable portal charge, before paying. Corrections and re-registration can involve different procedures, so select the service that matches your case.
What if the birth was never registered?
Late registration requires evidence to establish the birth details.
Official guidance lists supporting records such as clinic or antenatal records, religious certificates, parents’ identification documents, school records or an adult applicant’s ID, completed late-registration forms and other evidence requested by the registrar. The documents relevant to your case may vary.
Contact the civil registration office serving the place of birth to confirm what you need before making repeated visits.
Common questions
Can an adult apply for their own birth certificate?
Yes. Official guidance includes individuals among eligible applicants and provides for adult applicants in the late-registration requirements. The appropriate route depends on whether an existing birth record can be traced.
What if I have lost the birth notification?
Start by asking the facility or registration office connected to the birth whether it can help retrieve the notification details. Official requirements allow tangible evidence of the ABN number where the notification is missing.
What if one parent’s details are unavailable?
Ask the registrar which documents apply to your circumstances. Do not enter invented details. Adding a father’s name to an existing record may require a separate re-registration procedure.
How long does processing take?
Avoid relying on a guaranteed turnaround. Review, record searches and corrections can affect completion. Official eCitizen guidance says waiting periods vary by service.
How do I follow up on a delay?
Check your application account for updates or requests for additional information. Contact the office handling the application with your reference number, submission date and payment receipt.
If payment has been deducted but the application still shows unpaid, retain the transaction details and seek assistance before paying again.
Can I download the completed certificate?
Do not confuse a downloadable application form or receipt with the certificate itself. Follow the delivery or collection instructions attached to your application; the portal’s public guidance describes submission to the registrar for certificate processing.
