Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the change on Monday after a consultative meeting with officials from the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, saying the reform was informed by concerns raised during the ongoing Jukwaa la Usalama public engagement forums.
“In response to issues raised during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements, Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online, a significant step towards improving accessibility and reducing the time required to obtain essential documents,” Murkomen said.
End of physical collection requirement
The development marks a major shift in the birth certificate application process. Previously, applicants were required to apply through the eCitizen platform and later visit civil registration offices to collect the documents physically.
The new system is expected to reduce waiting times, cut travel costs, and improve convenience for thousands of Kenyans seeking birth registration services.
Passport services set for expansion
Murkomen also revealed that the government is continuing to decentralise passport services across the country.
According to the CS, plans are underway to establish a passport application and collection centre in Kilifi County, joining several other counties that already offer the services.
“The Department has recorded notable achievements in enhancing service delivery. Among the key milestones is the continued decentralisation of passport issuance services, with plans underway to expand physical passport application and collection centres to Kilifi County,” he said.
Improved support for Kenyans abroad
The Interior Ministry is also strengthening consular services to better support Kenyans living and working abroad.
Murkomen said the reforms form part of a broader strategy to modernise government services and improve the overall citizen experience through innovation and digitisation.
“As we begin the new financial year, we remain committed to supporting reforms and innovations that enhance service delivery, improve citizen experience, and ensure government services are accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans,” he said.
Push for faster document delivery
The announcement comes weeks after Huduma Kenya revealed that more than 308,000 government documents were ready for collection nationwide.
The documents included 29,138 birth certificates, 178,939 national identity cards, and 100,131 smart driving licences.
The government has been pursuing a wider digital transformation agenda aimed at reducing bureaucracy, improving efficiency, and making public services more accessible to citizens regardless of their location.
