Skip to content

How to Get a Birth Certificate in Kenya (2026): eCitizen, Fees & Late Registration

Apply online through Civil Registration on eCitizen. The documents, the fees, and what to do for a late registration or to replace a lost certificate.

By Stephen Omukoko OkothJuly 24, 2026
KenyaBirth CertificateCivil RegistrationeCitizenHow-to

A birth certificate is the first document a Kenyan needs — for school, a National ID, a passport and more. You apply through Civil Registration Services on eCitizen. The process is simple when you register early; a late registration takes more.

Register early if you can. A birth registered within six months is a straightforward, low-fee “current” registration. After that it becomes a late registration — more documents, more verification, more time — so don’t leave it.

What you’ll need

  • The birth notification card from the hospital or health facility
  • The parents’ National IDs

Step by step

  1. Open Civil Registration on eCitizen. Log in to eCitizen, open Civil Registration Services, and choose Apply for a Birth Certificate.
  2. Enter the details. Fill in the child's details and the parents' details, matching the birth notification and IDs exactly.
  3. Upload the documents. Attach the birth notification (from the hospital or health facility) and the parents' National IDs.
  4. Pay the fee and submit. Pay online. The fee depends on how soon after the birth you are registering.
  5. Download or collect. Track the application and download the certificate, or collect it from the sub-county registrar when ready.

Frequently asked

How much does it cost?

A current registration (within six months of birth) is around KES 150; late registration and adult applications cost more — roughly KES 500 to KES 1,000. Confirm the exact fee on eCitizen.

What documents do I need?

The birth notification card (issued at the hospital or health facility where the child was born) and the parents' National IDs.

The child was born at home / I have no notification?

You'll do a late registration through the sub-county civil registrar, with supporting evidence such as a chief's letter and clinic or immunisation records. It takes longer.

The person is now an adult and was never registered?

An adult can apply for a late birth registration with supporting documents; expect extra verification at the registrar.

I lost the certificate — can I get another?

Yes. Apply for a replacement or certified copy on eCitizen using the original registration details.

A name or detail on it is wrong?

Corrections are made through the civil registrar, usually with a supporting affidavit. Our free affidavit tool drafts one for you.

Share

If this is useful, send it to someone who'll benefit.

Source: Civil Registration Services via eCitizen; eProcedures Kenya. Fees are those charged on eCitizen at the time of writing.

Not affiliated with the Civil Registration Department or eCitizen. Confirm the current fee and requirements on eCitizen.

Last verified: July 24, 2026. Government processes and fees change — always confirm the current steps and amounts on the official portal.