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.
Whether you are registering a newborn or applying for a certificate through late registration, the online process can be completed from anywhere with internet access.
Who Can Apply?
The service is available for:
- Parents registering newborn children
- Guardians acting on behalf of minors
- Adults applying for their own birth certificates through late registration
Applicants must have an active eCitizen account.
Requirements
Before starting the application, ensure you have:
- Birth Notification Card from a hospital or local chief
- National ID card, passport or alien card of one or both parents
- Active eCitizen account
- Scanned copies of supporting documents in PDF or image format
Applicants should note that newborns must be at least 30 days old before online processing can begin.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Log in to eCitizen
Visit the eCitizen portal and sign in using your credentials.
Step 2: Select Civil Registration Services
From the dashboard, choose Civil Registration Services.
Step 3: Choose Application Type
Click “Apply for Birth Certificate.”
Select:
- Current Birth Certificate for recent births
- Late Registration for older children or adults
Step 4: Enter Child Details
Provide:
- Full names
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- County and hospital details
Step 5: Enter Parent Information
Input the ID numbers of the mother and father.
The system automatically retrieves registered details from government databases.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload:
- Birth notification
- Parents’ identification documents
Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
Step 7: Select Collection Centre
Choose your preferred collection point, including:
- Huduma Centres
- Civil Registration offices
- ACK Garden House headquarters in Nairobi
Step 8: Pay Fees
Payment is made through M-Pesa STK Push.
Current fees include:
- KSh 250 for standard applications
- KSh 1,050 for applications requiring amendments
Step 9: Await Processing
Print the generated application form and payment receipt.
Applicants receive an SMS notification once the certificate is ready for collection.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Most applications are processed within:
- 7 to 21 days for standard applications
- Longer periods if corrections or verification are required
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
- Uploading blurred documents
- Incorrect spelling of names
- Wrong dates of birth
- Mismatched parent information
- Incomplete application forms
Why a Birth Certificate Matters
Without a birth certificate, children may face difficulties accessing education, national examinations, passports and future employment opportunities.
The government encourages parents to register births promptly to avoid complications later in life.
