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28Aug
How to Check if your birth certificate is ready for collection in Kenya.
Bringing a new life here on earth is one of the most fascinating things in the human history. We all consider new life as a blessing and it is!
In any country after giving life, there must be a record of that life normally through a birth certificate or a birth pin. In Kenya, it’s through a birth certificate.
In this article, I will take you through the simple process of applying for, checking the status and how to collect a birth certificate in Kenya.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- How to apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya
- Where to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya
- How Much Does It Cost to Apply for A Birth Certificate?
- Where to Collect Your Birth Certificate
- How to Check if Your Birth Certificate is Ready for Collection
- How to Check if Your Birth Certificate is Ready for Collection
Getting a birth certificate in Kenya is essential for many official purposes, such as school admissions, obtaining a passport, and accessing government services. If you're in the process of applying or waiting for your birth certificate, this guide will help you navigate the process, check the status, know where to collect it, understand the costs, and estimate how long it will take.
There are several ways to apply for a birth certificate in Kenya, depending on your location and preference:
Where to Apply for a Birth Certificate in Kenya
1.Civil Registration Offices
Locations: Found in county and sub-county headquarters across Kenya.
Process: Visit the nearest office with your birth notification, ID card, and completed application form. Submit these documents, and the staff will guide you through the application process.
2.Huduma Centres
Locations: Located in major towns and cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.
Process: Head to the Civil Registration Desk at your nearest Huduma Centre. With all necessary documents in hand, you can easily apply for your birth certificate.
3. eCitizen Portal (Online Application)
Website: [eCitizen Portal](https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/)
Log in or create an account on the eCitizen portal. Navigate to the Civil Registration Services, and follow the instructions to apply online.
This option is convenient and allows you to track your application status online.
If you don' t have an eCitizen account, here is how you can get one:
1.On your browser, type in this link https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en or just simply click on it.
2. You will be directed to the home page
3. Choose the account type relevant to you.
4. Fill in your Details ie: Id number, first name and your D.O.B
4. Validate your Identification information
5. Fill in your contact information i.e phone number & email address then validate.
6. After validation of your contact information, now you can validate password.
7. The last step is to upload and verify Photo to Login
8. To view your dashboard, fill in your Id number and password
9. View your eCitizen dashboard
10. Access all government services such as applying for a birth Certificate.
4. Local Chief’s Office
If you live in a rural area, you can apply through your chief's office.
Visit your local Chief’s Office with the required documents. The Chief can help forward your application to the appropriate Civil Registration Office.
5. Hospitals (For Newborns)
If your child is born in a hospital, you can often apply for a birth certificate immediately after birth. Some hospitals are linked with Civil Registration Offices to expedite the process.
How to Check if Your Birth Certificate is Ready for Collection
After applying, you’ll want to know when your birth certificate is ready for collection. Here’s how to check:
1. Through the eCitizen Portal
After applying for a birth certificate, you can check the status of your application through the eCitizen portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Log in to eCitizen: Visit eCitizen and log in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
- Navigate to Civil Registration Services: Once logged in, go to the Civil Registration Services section.
- Check Application Status: Here, you can check the status of your birth certificate application. The portal will show whether your certificate is ready for collection.
If you encounter any issues while checking online, you can visit the Huduma Centre or Civil Registration office where you applied or contact them directly via a phone call.
Also check how to know if my Id is ready in Kenya.
2. Visit the Civil Registration Office
If you applied manually, visit the same office with your application slip. The staff can check the status for you.
3. Call the Civil Registration Office
Call the office where you applied and inquire about your application status.
4. Huduma Centre
Visit the nearest Huduma Centre to inquire about the status of your application.
5. SMS Notifications
Note: Some offices send SMS notifications when your birth certificate is ready, but this service is not always reliable.
Also read How to apply for a vehicle Transfer Ownership in Kenya.
Where to Collect Your Birth Certificate
Once you confirm that your birth certificate is ready, here’s where you can collect it:
1. Civil Registration Office
Collection Point: Typically, the same office where you applied.
2. Huduma Centre
Collection Point: The Huduma Centre where you initially applied.
3. Assigned Collection Point via eCitizen
Collection Point: If you applied online, your designated collection point will be shown in your eCitizen account.
4. Local Chief’s Office
Collection Point: In rural areas, some certificates are sent to the local Chief’s Office for easy access. So just visit your chief's office and collect it there.
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How Much Does It Cost To Apply for A Birth Certificate?
The cost of obtaining a birth certificate in Kenya depends on the type of application:
1. Standard Application (Within 6 Months of Birth)
Cost: Ksh 150 to Ksh 200
2. Late Registration
Cost: Ksh 100 to Ksh 150 (Late fee) + Ksh 150 to Ksh 200 (Certificate fee)
3. Replacement of Birth Certificate
Cost: Ksh 100 to Ksh 200
Urgent Processing
Cost: Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 2,000
Payments can be made directly at the Civil Registration Office, Huduma Centre, or online through the eCitizen portal. Always keep your receipt as proof of payment.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Kenya?
The waiting period for your birth certificate depends on several factors:
1. Standard Application
Time: 2 to 8 weeks
2. Late Registration
Time: 4 to 12 weeks or longer
3. Replacement
Time: 2 to 4 weeks
4. Urgent Processing
Time: 1 to 5 days
Factors like the application method, location, and need for document verification can influence these timelines.
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In Summary...
Applying for a birth certificate in Kenya is a straightforward process if you know where to go, how much it costs, and how long it might take.
Whether you choose to apply at a Civil Registration Office, Huduma Centre, or online via the eCitizen portal, following the correct steps will ensure a smooth experience.
Once your birth certificate is ready, you can collect it from the designated point, knowing you've completed an essential step for accessing various services in Kenya.
Success on the application and collection journey!
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