Having a baby — government steps
A plain-language overview of common public processes after a birth in Kenya. This is not medical advice and does not replace hospital or midwife guidance.
Applications and payments happen on official systems such as eCitizen or at Huduma Centres, not on this website.
1. Health and the birth
Maternity care is provided through public and private facilities. County governments manage many public health facilities. National referral hospitals handle complex cases.
2. Register the birth
Births should be registered so the child can obtain a birth certificate and later a national identity card. Registration is a civil registration function of the national government.
- Obtain the hospital or midwife notification documents.
- Start the registration process through official channels (often eCitizen or a designated registration office / Huduma Centre).
- Keep the certificate safe for school and future ID applications.
3. Documents you may need later
- birth certificate
- parents’ national IDs or passports
- immunisation records from health facilities
- school admission documents as the child grows
4. Social protection and support
Some families may qualify for social protection programmes. Rules change — check official ministry and county social development offices.
Benefits and social protection
Economic and social rights, including health-related rights, are framed in Article 43 — Economic and social rights.