How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to learn how to apply for a birth certificate online in Kenya?
You’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step. I’ll show you exactly what to do, where to go, and what to expect.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is a Birth Certificate?

A birth certificate is an official document that records the birth of a child. It includes information such as:
- The child’s name
- The child’s date and place of birth
- The names of the child’s parents
In Kenya, birth certificates are issued by the Civil Registration Department.
Why Do You Need a Birth Certificate?
A birth certificate is an essential document in Kenya. You’ll need it for a variety of things, such as:
- Enrolling in school
- Getting a national ID card
- Applying for a passport
- Getting a driver’s license
- Getting married
Essentially, it’s your proof of identity.
Without a birth certificate, you’ll be limited in what you can do in Kenya.
How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online in Kenya

The process of applying for a birth certificate online in Kenya is actually pretty straightforward.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the eCitizen portal. This is the official government website for online services in Kenya. You can access it at https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/.
- Create an account. If you don’t already have an eCitizen account, you’ll need to create one. This is a simple process that just requires your basic information.
- Log in to your account. Once you have an account, log in to the eCitizen portal.
- Go to the Civil Registration Department section. This is where you’ll find all the services related to birth certificates. This link will actually take you there: https://crs.ecitizen.go.ke/
- Select “Apply for a Birth Certificate.”
- Fill out the application form. This form will ask for information about the child, such as their name, date of birth, and place of birth. It will also ask for information about the parents.
- Upload the required documents. You’ll need to upload a copy of the child’s birth notification and a copy of the parents’ national ID cards.
- Pay the application fee. The application fee for a birth certificate is 150 Kenyan shillings. You can pay this online using a credit card, debit card, or mobile money.
- Submit your application. Once you’ve filled out the application form, uploaded the required documents, and paid the application fee, you can submit your application.
- Track your application. You can track the status of your application online. The processing time for a birth certificate is typically 10-15 working days.
- Collect your birth certificate. Once your application has been processed, you can collect your birth certificate from the Civil Registration Department office that you selected in your application.
Tips for Applying for a Birth Certificate Online
Here are a few tips to make the process of applying for a birth certificate online as smooth as possible:
- Make sure you have all the required documents before you start the application process. This will save you time and frustration.
- Fill out the application form carefully and accurately. Any mistakes could delay the processing of your application.
- Pay the application fee promptly. If you don’t pay the application fee, your application will not be processed.
- Track your application regularly. This will help you stay up-to-date on the status of your application.
- Be patient. The processing time for a birth certificate can vary, so it’s important to be patient.
Read also: How to Check Your Title Deed Online in Kenya
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes that people make when applying for a birth certificate online in Kenya:
- Not having all the required documents.
- Filling out the application form incorrectly.
- Not paying the application fee.
- Not tracking their application.
- Being impatient.
What to Do If You Encounter Problems
If you encounter any problems while applying for a birth certificate online, you can contact the Civil Registration Department for assistance.
You can reach them by phone or email.
Their contact information is available on the eCitizen portal.
Conclusion
Applying for a birth certificate online in Kenya is a relatively simple process.
By following the steps in this guide, you can apply for a birth certificate from the comfort of your own home.
Just remember to be prepared and to be patient.
And if you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to contact the Civil Registration Department for assistance.
Now go out there and get that birth certificate!
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