Murkomen Announces Kenyans Can Now Download and Print Birth Certificates Online

Kenyans will no longer have to endure long queues at Huduma Centres and civil registry offices to collect birth certificates after the government announced a major shift in the issuance of the critical document.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed on Monday, June 22, that citizens can now download and print birth certificates online, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.

The announcement is expected to save millions of Kenyans time and money while reducing the bureaucracy traditionally associated with obtaining civil registration documents.

Kenyans Can Now Access Birth Certificates from Home

Speaking during a high-level meeting at Harambee House in Nairobi involving the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services and senior government officials, Murkomen said the reforms are aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing accessibility.

According to the Interior CS, Kenyans who have successfully applied for birth certificates will now be able to obtain the documents online without physically visiting civil registry offices.

“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 stated.

The move represents a major departure from the previous system, where applicants could only initiate the process online before being required to visit registry offices to collect the certificates physically.

Previous Birth Certificate Process

For years, the eCitizen platform only allowed Kenyans to submit applications digitally. Despite completing the application and payment process online, applicants still had to wait for notifications before travelling to civil registration offices for collection.

This process often involved:

• Long waiting periods.
• Transport costs to registry offices.
• Time away from work or school.
• Congestion at Huduma Centres.

The latest changes are therefore expected to significantly improve convenience for parents, guardians, and adults seeking copies of their birth certificates.

How the New Birth Certificate System Works

Although Murkomen did not provide detailed guidelines on how users can immediately access the downloadable certificates, the announcement indicates that once an application has been approved, eligible users will be able to log into their accounts and obtain digital copies for printing.

This means Kenyans with internet access and a printer can potentially complete the process from the comfort of their homes.

The government is expected to issue additional guidelines clarifying:

• Whether existing certificate holders can download previously issued certificates.
• The security features embedded in the printable documents.
• The exact procedure for downloading the certificates.
• Verification mechanisms to prevent fraud.

How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online in Kenya

The current application process through the eCitizen platform involves the following steps:

1. Log into Your eCitizen Account

Visit the eCitizen portal and sign in using your registered details. Those without accounts must first create one.

2. Select the Birth Certificate Service

Choose the option labelled:

“Application for Child’s Current Birth Certificate.”

3. Fill in the Required Details

Applicants are required to provide relevant information and upload supporting documents, including:

• A copy of the applicant’s national ID.
• The child’s birth notification.
• Any other supporting documents requested by the system.

4. Pay the Processing Fee

After submitting the application, users pay the prescribed fee through available payment methods, including mobile money services.

5. Submit the Application

Once payment is confirmed, the application is processed by the relevant authorities.

Previously, applicants were required to print the application form and invoice before visiting the registrar’s office upon receiving a collection notification. However, this requirement is now expected to change under the newly announced digital framework.

Expansion of eCitizen Services

Murkomen also revealed that the government is working to transform eCitizen into a comprehensive one-stop digital gateway for public services.

The initiative aims to reduce reliance on paperwork and manual processing across various ministries and departments.

By consolidating services into one platform, citizens will be able to access government services more efficiently.

The reforms align with the government’s broader public service modernisation agenda, which seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility through technology.

Passport Services to Reach More Counties

Beyond birth certificates, the Interior CS highlighted ongoing efforts to decentralise passport services.

The government plans to expand passport application and collection centres to additional counties, ensuring more Kenyans access these essential services closer to their homes.

Kilifi County is among the regions expected to benefit from the next phase of expansion.

“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 said.

What This Means for Kenyans

The digitisation of birth certificate issuance is likely to have far-reaching benefits.

For many Kenyans, especially those living far from civil registry offices, the reforms could translate into:

• Faster access to vital documents.
• Reduced transport expenses.
• Less time spent in queues.
• Improved efficiency in accessing government services.
• Enhanced convenience through digital platforms.

Birth certificates remain among the most important documents in Kenya, serving as a requirement for school admissions, national identification applications, passport processing, and other official transactions.

As the government continues to embrace technology-driven solutions, citizens can expect more services to migrate online in the coming months.

The latest reforms signal Kenya’s commitment to creating a more efficient, accessible, and citizen-centred public service system.