The government has introduced major changes to the issuance of birth certificates, allowing Kenyans to download and print the documents online without having to visit Huduma Centres or civil registry offices.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the development on Monday, June 22, following a high-level meeting at Nyayo House in Nairobi involving the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and other senior government officials. The meeting reviewed progress on reforms aimed at improving service delivery.
According to Murkomen, the new system is part of broader efforts to simplify access to civil registration documents and eliminate the delays, costs, and bureaucracy traditionally associated with obtaining them.
“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.
Previously, while applications for birth certificates could be made through the eCitizen portal, applicants still had to visit civil registry offices to collect the documents. With the new system, those who have successfully applied for birth certificates will be able to access and print them from anywhere with an internet connection.
Although the Interior CS did not provide details on the exact process, the move marks a major shift towards fully digitised government services.
Murkomen also revealed that the government is working to transform the eCitizen platform into a one-stop digital gateway for public services, reducing dependence on manual processes across ministries and agencies.
In addition, the government plans to continue decentralising passport services by expanding passport application and collection centres to more counties. Kilifi County is among the next areas expected to benefit.
“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, in addition to the counties already served,” Murkomen added.
The latest measures form part of the government’s wider public service modernisation agenda, which aims to digitise government operations, reduce paperwork, and improve access to essential services for millions of Kenyans.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online
- Log in to your eCitizen account.
- Select “Application for Child’s Current Birth Certificate.”
- Enter the required details and upload scanned copies of your ID and the birth notification.
- Pay the prescribed processing fee via mobile money
- Previously, applicants were required to print the application form and invoice before visiting the registrar’s office upon receiving a collection notification. However, with the new reforms, this physical collection process is expected to be phased out as birth certificates become available for download and printing online.
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