Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online under new government plan
Kenyans will no longer be required to physically visit civil registration offices to obtain birth certificates as the government has moved to digitise the process, allowing applicants to download and print the documents online.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the developments on Monday, after a strategic consultative meeting with the leadership of the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services at Nyayo House, Nairobi.
Murkomen said the move is part of efforts to improve access to essential government documents and reduce the time taken by citizens to receive birth certificates.
“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,” the CS said.
The new process allows Kenyans who have already applied for birth certificates to access the documents online and print them without making physical visits to Huduma centres or civil registration offices.
Previously, applicants could submit birth certificate applications through the e-Citizen platform, but were required to visit civil registration offices to collect the documents after processing.
Although Murkomen did not provide details on the exact procedure for downloading the certificates, the announcement means applicants will now be able to obtain the documents digitally once their applications have been approved.
Murkomen also highlighted progress in expanding digital government services through the e-Citizen platform, saying the system has helped streamline access to various government services.
At the same time, he emphasised that the government was continuing with plans to decentralise passport issuance services to bring services closer to citizens.
“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,” he added.
The government is also working to strengthen consular services to better support Kenyans living and working abroad.
The latest changes are part of wider efforts to modernise public services by reducing paperwork, improving efficiency and making government documents easier for citizens to access.
Before the new process, Kenyans applying for a child’s current birth certificate through e-Citizen were required to log into their accounts, select “Application for Child’s Current Birth Certificate”, provide the required details and upload scanned copies of their identification documents and birth notification.
Applicants would then submit the application, pay the required processing fee through mobile money, print the application form and invoice, and visit the registrar’s office after receiving a collection notification.
The final physical collection step is now expected to change following the introduction of the online download and printing service.
