Register a birth and apply for a birth certificate
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to register a newborn child, apply for an official birth certificate, and secure a Maisha Namba (Unique Personal Identifier) in Kenya. This page covers current timelines, fees, and processing procedures on eCitizen.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 5 to 14 working days from the date of online submission and tracking verification.
- Base cost
- From Ksh 150 to Ksh 200 depending on county pathways
- How to apply
- Hybrid (Online form and physical attendance required)
Fees and times can change. Confirm on the official site before you pay.
Before you start
- The birth must have taken place in a licensed hospital or medical facility, or have a certified notification from a local administrative chief if a home birth occurred.
- The birth notification records must be digitally uploaded or matched from the hospital registry into the eCitizen Civil Registration database.
Documents you need
- Clear scanned color copy of the official hospital Birth Notification (both sides).
- Scanned color copies of the National ID cards or valid Passports of both parents.
- If parents are married, a scanned copy of their official Marriage Certificate (optional but recommended to secure parental joint naming).
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Civil Registration Department Birth Certificate Surcharge | Ksh 150 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge (Per Transaction step) | Ksh 50 |
Office visits
- Presenting original ID documents and the physical hospital notification to collect the official printed birth certificate. — You must collect the card from the Civil Registration Department desks at your selected local Huduma Centre or your county's central Civil Registration Office.
You may also use a Huduma Centre where the service is offered.
Questions
What is the Maisha Namba on modern Kenyan birth certificates?
The Maisha Namba is a lifelong Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned to every newborn Kenyan child at birth registration. This number acts as their primary identification key throughout their life, automatically becoming their school registration number, National ID number, KRA PIN, and NHIF/SHA identifier.
Can I apply online if my child was born outside of a hospital setup?
Yes. However, before launching the online eCitizen tool, you must physically visit your local area Chief or Assistant Chief. They will verify the birth details and issue an official manual Birth Notification slip which you can then scan and upload.