How to Apply OR Replace Birth Certificate in Kenya

A birth certificate is a very important document for every person and comes into play when making various applications such as applying for a National ID, registering for KCSE and KCPE, applying for a passport, and many more government applications.

It is thus recommended to follow up on your child’s birth certificate to enable him or her to have a smooth sailing where this document is required. A child born in Kenya should be registered for a birth certificate immediately after birth or 6 months after.

One can do so at eCitizen Portal, at Huduma Centre or at the District Birth and Death Registries.

Application For New Borns

• Parents are required to submit;
• The notification of birth from the hospital (Copy and original).
• The original National ID cards, birth certificates or passports of the parents.
• Application forms (BDA – Birth and Deaths Registration Form) duly filled.

If you bore your child in the village or were born in the village, then your Sub-Chief is licensed to register births. However, if you bore your child in Nairobi or were born in Nairobi, all births are registered at City Hall. Alternatively, you can register your child at Huduma Centre. If you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements, birth certificate charges are between KES 50 to KES 150. Charges vary depending on the application; newborn, over 18 years, or amending a birth certificate.

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Applying For Late Registration.

Any birth that has not been registered or whose birth notification has not been sent to the Immigration Centre within the first 6 months is deemed late registration. To apply, the documents required are;

• Your National ID Card.
• Copies of your parents National ID Cards, birth certificates or passports.
• Your Class Eight or Form Four Leaving Certificates.
• A print out from the National Registration Bureau in case you can’t access your parents’ IDs.
• Your Baptismal card.
• Child immunization clinic card.
• Letter from employer indicating the date of birth.
• A filled out application for registration of late birth.

Application For Lost Birth Certificates

For lost birth certificates, visit Huduma Centre and they will help you replace and get a new one.

Applying For A Birth Certificate While Living Abroad

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This is only applicable if your child was born abroad but to Kenyan parents and takes longer as documents have to be sent from Kenya. Visit the Kenyan embassy where you live and submit:

• Two Application Forms (BDA – Birth and Deaths Registration form) duly filled (Click here to get the Form)
• Two photocopies of both parents’ passports. The copies of the Kenyan parent’s passport have to include pages 29-32(for the A SeriesPassport), pages45-48(for the B-series Passport), pages61-64(for the CSeries Passport), and the photo page.
• Two photocopies of the child’s Birth certificate or notification issued by the civil authorities or the hospital in the country of birth (either an international version or copies of the original and an official English translation)
• Two self-addressed stamped A5 envelopes for postage purposes.
• Two copies of parents’ marriage certificate either international or translated into English if legally married.
• A non-refundable fee of $10.00 for each certificate payable only by bank transfer (Embassy of the Republic of Kenya, IBAN:

DE63100400000266014004) or EC-Debit card at the Embassy. Cash payments will not be accepted. Overpaid amounts will not be refunded. Enclosed a copy of the bank transfer slips together with the application.

Amending a Birth Certificate

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In case you want to amend your birth certificate, this is what Immigration Kenya says, “ Within a duration of two years after registration of birth, the names could be changed on application but after production of relevant documentary evidence in support of the amendments. 
After two years, you can add names to the existing ones but you cannot remove the names previously on the birth certificate, again documentary evidence will be required.
It is important to note that the DATE and PLACE OF BIRTH CANNOT be changed under any circumstances.

Changing Details: The Online Route

In its bid to simplify processes for its citizens, the Kenyan government has made provisions for these changes to be made online.

Requirements for Online Amendments

1. Parents' Identification Cards.
2. The original birth certificate, antenatal card, clinic card, or birth notification.

Steps to Change Details on a Birth Certificate Online

• Log into your eCitizen account. Creating an account is the first step if you don't have one.
• Navigate to the "Civil Registration Portal".
• Select "Application for child current birth certificate."
• Opt for "Apply for replacement of birth certificate."
• Fill in the required fields and upload the necessary documents.
• Pay the stipulated fee.
• Wait for a notification indicating your birth certificate is ready.

It's worth noting that parents have a 6-month window after a child's birth to submit the correct details. After these initial six months, should they need to make changes, the process differs slightly depending on the child's age.

Amending Child's Name: Specifics and Limitations

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While a name can seem permanent, there are provisions for changes. For children:

1. Below two years: Parents can easily apply for name changes online within two years after birth.
2. Above two years: Name changes require a deed poll, a legal document that proves the name change.

Cost Implications

The financial aspect is always a concern. Here's a breakdown:

1. New birth certificate with changes on the father's name: Ksh. 100.
2. If the child is over two years old and a deed poll is required: Ksh. 500.

Other Specific Changes

1. Birth Certificate Re-registration Upon Legitimacy: This caters to parents who marry after the birth of their child and want the father's name added to the certificate.
2. Removing Father's Name: The name can be removed under specific circumstances, such as when it's proven that the listed father isn't the biological parent.
3. Name Limitation: Typically, a Kenyan birth certificate accommodates three names: a first name, a middle name, and a surname.

Changes for Adults and Married Individuals

Adults sometimes need to amend their names, especially after significant life events like marriage or divorce. Procedures vary, but the deed poll remains a constant requirement.

Changing Names

For married women, they can either adjust their particulars on their ID, primarily if adopting their husband's surname, or use the deed poll. Divorced or separated women have similar options, with the need for additional documentation to prove their marital status.

Final Thoughts

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Changing details on a birth certificate in Kenya might seem daunting, but it's relatively straightforward with the proper guidance and understanding of the procedure. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and follow the appropriate channels for a smooth transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my child's name after two years? Yes, but this requires a deed poll.

What's the cost of changing details? Ksh. One hundred for minor changes, and Ksh. 500 with a deed poll.

Is it possible to remove a father's name? Yes, in cases where he isn't the biological father.

How many names are allowed on the certificate? Three: first, middle, and surname.

Can adults change their names? Absolutely, through specific procedures.

How long does it take for the new certificate to be ready? After applying, a notification will inform you when it's ready.

Is there a fee for online changes? Yes, and payment is done during the application process.

Can married women adopt their husband's surname? Yes, and there's a procedure for that.