Register a birth occurring abroad
From: Government of Kenya (public information)
Published 2 June 2026 · Last updated 2 June 2026
Find out how to register the birth of a child born to Kenyan parents living in a foreign country. This page covers mandatory document apostilles, processing fees, and consular application steps on eCitizen.
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Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 weeks (Processing time depends on diplomatic mail courier frequencies from the foreign embassy to Civil Registration Headquarters in Nairobi).
- Base cost
- Ksh 1,550 flat fee
- 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
- At least one parent must have been a fully documented Kenyan citizen at the time of the child's birth.
- The child must already hold an official local civil birth certificate issued by the government of the country where the birth occurred.
Documents you need
- Scanned color copy of the foreign local birth certificate (must be accompanied by an official English translation if issued in a foreign language).
- Scanned clear color copies of the National ID cards and valid passports of both Kenyan parents.
- Scanned color copy of the parents' marriage certificate (if applicable).
- A recent passport-sized color photograph of the child.
Fees and charges
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Directorate of Civil Registration Overseas Birth Registration Fee | Ksh 1,500 |
| eCitizen Portal Convenience Charge | Ksh 50 |
Office visits
- Physical verification of original foreign certificates, identity interviews, and hardcopy document collection. — You must physically visit the nearest Kenyan High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate in your country of residence, or drop off files at the Diaspora Desk at Civil Registration Headquarters (Sheria House, Nairobi) if you have already relocated back to Kenya.
You may also use a Huduma Centre where the service is offered.
Questions
Does registering a child's birth abroad affect their eligibility for dual citizenship?
No. Registering a birth abroad establishes the child's legal citizenship by descent under Article 14 of the Constitution of Kenya. It does not interfere with any automatic birthright citizenship privileges granted by the foreign host nation.
Can I apply for my child's first Kenyan passport at the same time?
No. You must fully complete this birth registration process first. Once the Registrar of Births approves the record and issues the Kenyan birth certificate tracking parameters, the portal will unlock your child's passport application options.